Subject
Philosophy, Ancient Books
Best books
Plato
Symposium
"Symposium" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written between 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable figures including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each man offers his perspective on love's nature and power—from inspiring battlefield courage to transcending earthly desire. Through conflicting ideas and shifting viewpoints, the dialogue explores love's deepest meanings while showcasing both philosophical depth and literary artistry.
Plato
Apology
"Apology" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written after 399 BC. It presents Socrates's legal defense at his trial, where he faced charges of corrupting Athens's youth and introducing new gods. Standing before a jury of perhaps 500 Athenian men, Socrates refuses to use sophisticated rhetoric, speaking instead in his characteristic questioning style. Rather than compromise his integrity to avoid death, he challenges his accusers and maintains his philosophical principles, insisting his only wisdom comes from knowing that he knows nothing.
Plato
Euthyphro
"Euthyphro" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 399 BC. Set outside an Athenian court, it follows Socrates as he awaits trial for impiety. He encounters Euthyphro, a confident prophet prosecuting his own father for murder. Socrates asks Euthyphro to define piety, sparking a rigorous examination that produces increasingly refined definitions—yet none prove satisfactory. Their discussion culminates in a famous dilemma about the gods' relationship to goodness, launching a debate that continues millennia later.
Diogenes Laertius
The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers
"The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers" by Diogenes Laertius is a compilation of historical accounts and biographical sketches written in the late 2nd century AD. This extensive work chronicles the lives and philosophies of various notable Greek philosophers, providing insights into their thoughts, contributions, and contexts. The text serves as a crucial source of information about the history of Greek philosophy, linking the emergence of philosophical thought to prominent figures like Thales, Solon, and Socrates. At the start of this work, the author presents an introduction outlining the origins and classifications of philosophy, distinguishing between the influences of Greek and non-Greek traditions. Diogenes Laertius discusses early philosophical figures and sets the stage for a more detailed exploration of notable philosophers, specifically starting with Thales. The opening portion introduces the structure of the work, highlighting the significance of philosophical teachings and the impact of early philosophers on subsequent thought, ultimately leading to a deeper dive into the lives of these influential thinkers.
George Grote
Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume 1
"Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume 1" by George Grote is a scholarly historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the philosophical landscape of ancient Greece, specifically examining prominent figures such as Socrates, Plato, and their contemporaries from the perspective of their contributions to philosophy and their interactions with contemporary thought. The opening of the book presents an overview of its intent as a continuation of the author's previous historical work, aiming to explore Hellenic philosophy in detail. Grote discusses the significance of Socrates and Plato, emphasizing their roles in shaping philosophical discourse and highlighting their unique methodologies. He outlines the structure of the work, which will cover various philosophers, pre-Socratic thoughts, and the impact of these philosophers on subsequent intellectual developments, thereby underscoring the transition from mythological explanations of the universe to a more reasoned and methodical examination of ethical and political subjects influenced by Socratic dialogue.
Antipope Hippolytus
Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume I
"Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume I" by Antipope Hippolytus is a Christian polemical work written in the early third century. This compendious text catalogs pagan beliefs and thirty-three gnostic Christian systems the author deemed heretical, making it a major source on early Christian opponents. The work surveys Greek philosophy, magical practices, and various heresies including those of Simon Magus, Valentinus, and Basilides, linking their teachings to ancient philosophical traditions and challenging their departures from Christian orthodoxy.
Plato
Crito
"Crito" by Plato is a dialogue written around 399 BC. It depicts a conversation between Socrates and his friend Crito as Socrates awaits execution in prison. Crito urges Socrates to escape, offering money and refuge, but Socrates refuses. Through their debate about justice and injustice, Socrates personifies the Laws of Athens to argue that wrongdoing cannot be answered with wrongdoing. The dialogue presents an early statement of social contract theory.
Iamblichus
Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras, or Pythagoric Life Accompanied by Fragments of the Ethical Writings of certain Pythagoreans in the Doric dialect; and a collection of Pythagoric Sentences from Stobaeus and others, which are omitted by Gale in his Opuscula Mythologica, and have not been noticed by any editor
"Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras, or Pythagoric Life" by Iamblichus is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work provides a detailed biography of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, emphasizing his philosophical teachings, ethical guidelines, and the spiritual dimensions of his life. The text offers insights into not only Pythagoras the individual but also the broader Pythagorean community, reflecting on their contributions to philosophy and ethics. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the significance of Pythagoras as the father of philosophy, outlining the importance of authentic memoirs of his life. It describes Iamblichus, the biographer, as a revered philosopher himself, and assures the accuracy of the account based on high antiquity sources. The first chapters delve into Pythagoras's noble lineage, early education, and travels through various regions, including his interactions with prominent philosophers and priests in Egypt. Through these narratives, Iamblichus begins to weave a portrait of Pythagoras as a divine figure, gifted with extraordinary wisdom and virtues, destined to influence and inspire many in the realms of knowledge and ethics.
Plato
Parmenides
"Parmenides" by Plato is a dialogue written in ancient Greece. It depicts a young Socrates meeting the renowned philosophers Parmenides and Zeno, who challenge his Theory of Forms. Through rigorous questioning, Parmenides presents five complex arguments that expose potential contradictions in Socrates' distinction between eternal Forms and particular things. The work reverses the usual dynamic, positioning Socrates as student rather than teacher, and explores fundamental questions about unity, plurality, and the nature of reality itself.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Early Greek Philosophy & Other Essays Collected Works, Volume Two
"Early Greek Philosophy & Other Essays" by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche is a collection of philosophical essays written in the late 19th century. The work explores various themes central to Greek philosophy, such as the nature of existence, the role of art and culture, and the concept of morality juxtaposed against the background of ancient Greek society. Nietzsche's reflections reveal insights into the philosopher's broader critiques of modernity and lingering questions that permeate his thought. The opening of the collection provides an overview of several essays, setting the stage for Nietzsche's exploration of topics like the essence of the Greek state, the portrayal of women in ancient Greece, and the intrinsic connection between music and language. The pieces are characterized by Nietzsche's distinct critical perspective, revealing his thoughts on the necessity of strife and contest in developing culture and genius. He challenges modern notions of dignity in labor against the frank disdain of the ancient Greeks for such ideas. Through fragments and prefaces, Nietzsche argues that a culture's art and achievements are intrinsically tied to the prevailing social order and its acceptance of certain truths, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions throughout the essays.
Eduard Zeller
The Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics
Translation of a part of the author's Die Philosophie der Griechen in ihrer geschichtlichen Entwicklung.
Epictetus
The Teaching of Epictetus Being the 'Encheiridion of Epictetus,' with Selections from the 'Dissertations' and 'Fragments'
"The Teaching of Epictetus" by Epictetus is a philosophical work written in the early 2nd century AD. This text presents the insights and teachings of the Stoic philosopher through a compilation of his discourses, mainly recorded by his student Arrian. The book revolves around fundamental Stoic principles, touching on themes of ethics, human conduct, and the nature of good and evil, aiming to guide readers toward a more virtuous and rational way of living. The opening of "The Teaching of Epictetus" introduces the reader to the roots and form of the philosopher's teachings, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s own ignorance as a starting point for philosophical inquiry. Epictetus posits that true philosophy lies in examining one's beliefs and evaluating them against the realities of existence. He discusses concepts such as the difference between things within our control and those outside it, stressing that grasping this distinction forms the foundation of a wise life. By confronting contradictions in human behavior and thought, he invites readers to reflect on their values and the nature of their pursuits, ultimately setting the stage for deeper explorations into Stoic ethics.
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