Title
Socrates: A Life Examined,Used
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One of the most influential thinkers in the history of the West was Socrates of Athens (469399 BCE). Literally, thousands of books and other works of art have been devoted to him, yet his character and the tenets of his philosophy remain elusive. Even his contemporaries had very different impressions of him, and since he himself left no writings to posterity, we can only wonder: Who was this man really? What ideas and ideals can be truthfully associated with him? What is the basis for the extraordinary influence he has exerted throughout history?Philosopher Luis E. Navia presents a compelling portrayal of Socrates in this very readable and wellresearched book, which is both a biography of the man and an exploration of his ideas. Through a critical and documented study of the major ancient sources about Socrates in the writings of Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle Navia reconstructs a surprisingly consistent portrait of this enigmatic philosopher. He links Socrates' conviction that the unexamined life is not worth living with Immanuel Kant's later concept of an innate moral imperative as the only meaningful purpose of human existence. He highlights Socrates' unrelenting search for the essence and value of the soul as that aspect of his philosophical journey that animated and structured all his activities. Navia also considers Socrates' relationship with the Sophists, his stance visvis the religious beliefs and practices of his time, his view of the relationship between legality and morality, and the function of language in human life. Finally, he eloquently captures the Socratic legacy, which, more than twentyfour centuries after his death, is still so urgently relevant today. Navia brings to life this perennially important philosopher, illuminating the relevance of his ideas for our modern world.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Socrates: A Life Examined'? A: The book primarily focuses on the life and philosophical contributions of Socrates, exploring his character, ideas, and the historical context in which he lived.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Luis E. Navia, a philosopher who provides a well-researched biography and analysis of Socrates' ideas.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which is typically more durable than paperback.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Socrates: A Life Examined'? A: The book contains a total of 291 pages.
- Q: When was 'Socrates: A Life Examined' published? A: The book was published on March 14, 2007.
- Q: What condition is the used book in? A: It is listed as 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating that it may show some signs of wear but is still usable.
- Q: Does the book include references to other philosophers? A: Yes, the book references major ancient sources and philosophers such as Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone new to philosophy? A: Yes, the book is described as readable and well-researched, making it accessible for those new to the subject.
- Q: What themes does the author explore regarding Socrates' philosophy? A: The author explores themes such as the unexamined life, morality, the essence of the soul, and Socrates' relationship with the Sophists.
- Q: What is the significance of Socrates' legacy as mentioned in the book? A: The book highlights the enduring relevance of Socrates' ideas, emphasizing their significance even over two thousand years after his death.