Conversations of Socrates (Penguin Classics) Paperback – July 3, 1990

It is a testament to the clarity of thought and intellect shown by Socrates that both Plato and Xenophon - politically, almost polar opposites - sought to rehabilitate his reputation shortly after he was forced to commit suicide. His appeal to left and right - with each side endeavouring to lay claim to his allegiance and legacy - reminds this reviewer of recent literary and critical responses to George Orwell. With only fragments of Socrates' original works surviving, here the politically conservative Xenophon chose to emphasise what could be considered the more socially conservative aspects of Socrates thought (although "The Dinner Party" contains a few challenges to socially conservative mores!)To what degree Plato or Xenophon have modified Socrates' views in their own image in The Republic (Penguin Classics) or Conversations of Socrates (Penguin Classics) is unclear - it is quite possible that Socrates was too critical and individual a thinker to be a man purely of the left or right. Xenophon's version is written with clarity and little pretence (if perhaps slanted towards the authors own predispositions) and strikingly illustrates Athenian life in general, and the influence of Socrates and his methods of critical inquiry on Athenian thought and intellectual life in particular. Highly recommended for anybody with an interest in Ancient Greek philosophy, culture or history.

Very few extant works remain on the life of Socrates: mainly the works of Xenophon and Plato. In "Conversations of Socrates" Xenophon writes extensively on the philosophical thought of the master in a forthright and simple manner. Xenophon has not always been praised for his writing style but he covers the Socratic principles thoroughly. The subjects aren't organized particularly well with examples of Socrates' views on certain virtues scattered throughout the text. Nevertheless, since Socrates didn't write his own thoughts we are very fortunate that we have these works.Xenophon divided his works into four books: Socrates' Defense; Memoirs of Socrates; the Dinner-Party; and the Estate-Manager. Xenophon writes in the second and third person so that we "hear" the Socratic Method throughout the text. We see how Socrates used questions of his followers to teach them to think. His method thoroughly flushed out the truth and often revealed the flaws in the arguments his opponents and followers made.I thoroughly enjoyed reading Xenophon. One could almost imagine being right there with the master as he shredded the weaknesses in faulty arguments and uncovered hidden truths. His opinions on virtues may be dated to Twentieth Century people but one must remember that it was largely his teachings that had such a great influence on Western thought and ideas.

I got this book because in Benjamin Franklin`s autobiography, Ben says that after reading this book, he stopped trying to force his `correct`opinions down people`s throats and he began to play the skeptic, the doubter, and in doing so he began to win arguments and people, and sometimes humiliating his fiercest foes, even when his position was the weaker one. After having read it, I have begun adapting my own style of speech and experiencing very positive results, in the workplace, with friends and with strangers. This book is worth reading slowly.

Another bookHistory of Socrates as claimed by XenophonPretty sure he was there, I wasn't.So I have to take his word for it

I really enjoyed this book. Whether it is as accurate or not as Plato, who knows, but it had a wealth of great information to soak in. As is said in the introduction several times, Xenophon does seem to stray, particularly in Book 3 and 4 of Memoirs; they also seem a little fabricated, although I'm sure they had at least a degree of Socrates in mind when written. Either way, I really enjoyed this book and would like to think it's a pretty decent portrayal of Socrates.

I love Socrates because of this book. Read it with the same mind a 15 year old would read twilight and you might fall in love with this man and Xenophon for delivering such an amazing review of his life. I refuse to read anything by anyone else, about Socrates, because I'm afraid they won't have the personal touch that Xenophon brings to this book. I cry every time I finish it. I miss him when it's done.

Love the book, but the pages are all highlighted & have underlined passages.

The book is a little tough of a read. You need to go back and forth in certain parts. I feel that the introductions at each chapter are necessary to understand the background of the dialogues but at the same time they tend to extend a little too much.I recommend to also read Plato's Socrates.Wonderful book.