The Apology of Socrates. Dialogues. Philosophy for Beginners with Comments and Illustrations

«The Apology of Socrates» — this is a powerful defense speech of the philosopher at his trial, where he faces the death penalty. But Socrates does not justify himself — he accuses. He challenges social norms by stating that «the... unexamined life is not worth living». This is a fundamental text about civic courage, strength of spirit, and fidelity to truth. Plato captured not only the defense but also the quintessence of the philosophical method of his teacher. The central place in the speech occupies the famous thesis «I know that I know nothing», which becomes the starting point for genuine knowledge. Socrates appears as a man faithful to his inner voice and who chose to serve truth as the highest duty. The book helps the modern reader to understand the meaning of this speech more deeply through extensive comments that explain its ethical and intellectual foundations.
 
The concept developed by Socrates about the inseparable connection between knowledge and virtue became one of the key principles in the development of European ethical thought.
 
The figure of Socrates as a man true to his ideals has served in shaping the very image of the philosopher, whose life is inseparable from his teaching.
 
The ideas of Socrates, further developed in the works of his students, primarily Plato, laid the foundation for the main directions of classical ancient philosophy.