Laches

by Plato

"Laches" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written in ancient Greece. Two concerned fathers seek advice about their sons' education, sparking a philosophical investigation into the nature of courage. Socrates guides prominent Athenian generals Laches and Nicias through a rigorous examination of competing definitions—from steadfast endurance to specialized knowledge. Each proposed answer unravels under scrutiny, revealing contradictions and gaps in understanding. The dialogue demonstrates Socratic inquiry at work, questioning whether true virtue can be taught and what courage actually means beyond conventional assumptions.