The Essential Books About Socrates
Socrates (469-399 BC) was one of the most influential ancient philosophers. We have no writings of his own that have survived to the modern day. However, his thought was preserved by his students, particularly Plato and Xenophon. Understanding what Socrates sought requires understanding the historical contexts, philosophy and biography. We can find all of these in the books about Socrates below.
Whether new to philosophy, or seeking deeper insights into Socratic thought, this guide contains the best books about Socrates. From ancient dialogues to modern explanations, check out some of the below. All the links provided are through bookshop.org – your money goes to small bookshops, not major corporations if you choose to buy.
C.C.W. Taylor’s Socrates (A Very Short Introduction)
This compact book provides a clear, beginner-friendly overview of the philosophy of Socrates and his ongoing legacy. Skip the 500-page, complex books for your first read on Socrates. I would recommend this for students and newcomers to Socrates’ philosophy.
Plato’s The Republic
The first book I read about Socrates (and one which I wrote my university dissertation on) is Plato’s The Republic. Although it is hard to distinguish which parts Plato, a student of Socrates created himself, and which directly came from Socrates. It is definitely worth a read.
Xenophon – Memorabilia
Xenophon, another student of Socrates showed us a more simple and less mysterious portrayal. His Memorabilia presents Socratic conversations on practical ethics, differently to Plato’s ‘ideal city’. Both are important for understanding Socrates’ teachings, and Memorabilia certainly cannot be skipped.
Aristophanes’ The Clouds
Aristophanes was a comic playwright, and portrays Socrates in The Clouds as a sophist and troublemaker. It is far from accurate, but provides an understanding on public opinion leading up to his trial. It is also rather entertaining, and (through the link here) comes in a collection of four of Aristophanes’ plays, so you can check out a few.
Gregory Vlastos – Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher
Vlastos is one of the most respected scholars of ancient philosophy. In this text, he argues Socrates was a radical thinker who introduced new ways of reasoning. The text is easy to read and bridges the gap between academia and accessibility. The only downside is it is hard to find, and can be quite expensive.
Books about Socrates: I.F. Stone’s The Trial of Socrates
Finally, I.F. Stone investigates the political and historical context of Socrates’ trial and execution. He challenges normal accounts and provides a more critical view of Socrates within Athenian society. This one is perfect for anyone interested in history, politics, and the death of Socrates.
Why Should We Read Books About Socrates?
Books about Socrates come in all kind of shapes – whether that be for the modern day, by the people who knew him, or in ancient plays. Socrates might not of written anything himself, but the questions he asked inspired some of the greatest philosophers.
These books offer a meaningful place to start. Want to learn about Michel Foucault’s Society Must Be Defended? Click here.
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