The Apology Phaedo and Crito of Plato

A new version of Platos four-part discourse extolling Socrates brilliance. Platos account of Socrates trial and execution in 399 BC marks a turning point in Western literature as well as in ancient Athens way of life. In these four dialogues Plato elaborates on the Socratic notion of personal accountability and illustrates how Socrates who was ordered by his fellow Athenians to commit suicide lived and died in accordance with his own philosophy. In Euthyphro Socrates engages in a discussion about goodness outside the courtroom; in Apology he defends himself against all accusations of impiety; in Crito he rejects a plea to be let out of prison; and in Phaedo he approaches death with composure and an insightful discussion of eternity.