The Collected Works on Socrates

Description

The Collected Works on Socrates by Xenophon brings together three of the most insightful portrayals of Socrates from antiquity: Apology, Symposium, and Memorabilia. In these works, Xenophon presents a vision of Socratic life that serves as both a complement and a counterpoint to Plato’s more famous dialogues.

In Apology, Xenophon presents Socrates’ defense not as a philosophical performance, but as an ethical affirmation of a life well lived. In the Symposium, the scene is set at a banquet, where Socrates’ wit and humanity shine through informal conversations about love and virtue. Memorabilia, the most expansive of the three, is a collection of recollections and dialogues that seek to defend Socrates against his accusers by showcasing his daily conduct and teachings.

This volume invites readers into a Socratic world that is pragmatic, disciplined, and morally attentive, distinct from Plato’s more abstract metaphysical inquiries. Xenophon’s Socrates is a teacher of virtue in the everyday sense, concerned with how to live rightly rather than how to think abstractly.

The Camellia Series in Philosophy
A curated collection of quietly enduring works in philosophy, edited and printed with care. Each volume in the series is selected for its ability to invite reflection rather than pronouncement, offering a thoughtful alternative to the philosophical canon.