Memories of Socrates: Memorabilia and Apology

Xenophon's Memorabilia is a passionate defense of Socrates against charges of irreligion and corruption of the young, painted in a series of mini-dialogues and shorter vignettes. It portrays Socrates as a supreme moral educator, coaxing and challenging his associates to make themselves better people. The Apology is a moving account of Socrates' behavior and bearing in his last days.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Socrates, a renowned philosopher who lived in Athens during the 5th century BCE, faced a trial in 399 BCE on charges of irreligion and corruption of the young. Despite his intellectual brilliance and profound influence on the world of thought, Socrates was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death. Like Plato, another prominent philosopher of his time, Xenophon, who was born around 430 BCE and lived until around 354 BCE, was drawn to Socrates' teachings. Xenophon's Memorabilia serves as a captivating defense of Socrates against these charges, as well as a vivid portrayal of the man he knew. The book is composed of a series of mini-dialogues and shorter vignettes, showcasing a diverse and intricately characterized cast of individuals. Among them are young men seeking success and ambition, atheists and hedonists, artists and artisans, Socrates' own teenage son Lamprocles, and the glamorous courtesan Theodote. The topics explored in Socrates' characteristic questioning treatment span various aspects of human existence, including education, law, justice, government, political and military leadership, democracy and tyranny, friendship, care of the body and the soul, and concepts of the divine. Xenophon views Socrates as a supreme moral educator, tirelessly coaxing and challenging his associates to strive for personal improvement. He believed that self-knowledge, leading to reasoned self-control, was the essential first step on the path to virtue, a concept that some found challenging.

The Apology, written by Xenophon, provides a poignant account of Socrates' behavior and bearing in his final days, encompassing the period immediately before, during, and after his trial. Through this work, Xenophon offers a glimpse into the mind and soul of Socrates, shedding light on his philosophical beliefs, his interactions with others, and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

In conclusion, Socrates and Xenophon's Memorabilia serve as invaluable sources of knowledge about the life and thought of one of history's most influential philosophers. Through their writings, we gain a deeper understanding of Socrates' character, his teachings, and the impact he had on the world around him. The Apology, in particular, provides a poignant portrayal of Socrates' final days, showcasing his courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his principles.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 196 x 129 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198856092