This book offers a controversial interpretation of Plato's Apology of Socrates. By paying unusually close attention to what Socrates indicates about the meaning and extent of his irony, David Leibowitz arrives at unconventional conclusions about Socrates' teaching on virtue, politics, and the gods; the significance of his famous turn from natural philosophy to political philosophy; and the purpose of his insolent 'defense speech'. Leibowitz shows that Socrates is not just a colorful and quirky figure from the distant past but an unrivaled guide to the good life - the thoughtful life - who is as relevant today as in ancient Athens. On the basis of his unconventional understanding of the dialogue as a whole, and of the Delphic oracle story in particular, Leibowitz shows that the Apology is the key to the Platonic corpus, indicating how many of the disparate themes and apparently contradictory conclusions of the other dialogues fit together.

Arrives at a controversial interpretation of Plato's Apology of Socrates by focusing on the meaning and extent of Socratic and Platonic irony.

About the Author
David Leibowitz is currently Assistant Professor of Political Science at Kenyon College and has also taught at Michigan State University and the University of Toronto. He received his PhD from Harvard University.

Reviews
'Stylistically, the book is well written and avoids dry academic prose ... The book is aimed at graduate and advanced level students in philosophy and therefore will be of great assistance to those working on ancient political philosophy, Athenian democracy and comparative political philosophy.' Mehmet Karabela, Political Studies Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781107671997
Author David M. Leibowitz
Format Paperback
Page Count 206
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 12mm