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Ion – Plato

ION   By Plato   Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION. ION INTRODUCTION. The Ion is the shortest, or nearly the shortest, of all the writings which bear the name of Plato, and is not authenticated by any early external testimony. The grace and beauty of this little work supply the only, and perhaps a […]

Gorgias – Plato

GORGIAS   by Plato   Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION. GORGIAS INTRODUCTION. In several of the dialogues of Plato, doubts have arisen among his interpreters as to which of the various subjects discussed in them is the main thesis. The speakers have the freedom of conversation; no severe rules of art restrict them, and […]

Euthyphro – Plato

EUTHYPHRO By Plato Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION.EUTHYPHRO INTRODUCTION. In the Meno, Anytus had parted from Socrates with the significant words: ‘That in any city, and particularly in the city of Athens, it is easier to do men harm than to do them good;’ and Socrates was anticipating another opportunity of talking with him. […]

Euthydemus – Plato

EUTHYDEMUS by Plato Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION.EUTHYDEMUS INTRODUCTION. The Euthydemus, though apt to be regarded by us only as an elaborate jest, has also a very serious purpose. It may fairly claim to be the oldest treatise on logic; for that science originates in the misunderstandings which necessarily accompany the first efforts of […]

Crito – Plato

CRITO BY PLATO TRANSLATED BY BENJAMIN JOWETT INTRODUCTION The Crito seems intended to exhibit the character of Socrates in one light only, not as the philosopher, fulfilling a divine mission and trusting in the will of heaven, but simply as the good citizen, who having been unjustly condemned is willing to give up his life […]

Critias – Plato

CRITIAS   by Plato Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS. CRITIAS. INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS. The Critias is a fragment which breaks off in the middle of a sentence. It was designed to be the second part of a trilogy, which, like the other great Platonic trilogy of the Sophist, Statesman, Philosopher, was never […]

Cratylus – Plato

CRATYLUS   By Plato   Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION. CRATYLUS INTRODUCTION. The Cratylus has always been a source of perplexity to the student of Plato. While in fancy and humour, and perfection of style and metaphysical originality, this dialogue may be ranked with the best of the Platonic writings, there has been an […]

Charmides – Plato

THE DIALOGUES OF PLATO   CHARMIDES By Plato   Translated into English with Analyses and Introductions By B. Jowett, M.A. Master of Balliol College Regius Professor of Greek in the University of Oxford Doctor in Theology of the University of Leyden TO MY FORMER PUPILS in Balliol College and in the University of Oxford who […]

Apology – Plato

  By Plato Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION.APOLOGY INTRODUCTION. In what relation the Apology of Plato stands to the real defence of Socrates, there are no means of determining. It certainly agrees in tone and character with the description of Xenophon, who says in the Memorabilia that Socrates might have been acquitted ‘if in […]

A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal – Paine

A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE ABBE RAYNAL, ON THE AFFAIRS OF NORTH AMERICA; IN WHICH THE MISTAKES IN THE ABBE’s ACCOUNT OF THE REVOLUTION of AMREICA [sic] ARE CORRECTED AND CLEARED UP. BY THOMAS PAINE, SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO CONGRESS, DURING THE AMERICAN WAR, AND AUTHOR OF COMMON SENSE, AND THE RIGHTS OF MAN. LONDON: […]