Selected Dialogues

Synopsis

'you'll find another man to harvest, Glycerion: let this one go' The Greek satirist Lucian was a brilliantly entertaining writer who invented the comic dialogue as a vehicle for satiric comment. His influence was immense, not only in the Greek world, but on later European writers such as Rabelais and Swift. His dialogues puncture the pretensions of pompous philosophers and describe the daily lives of Greek courtesans; they are peopled by politicians, historians and ordinary citizens, as well as by gods and mythic figures. This selection provides a cross-section of Lucian's styles and satirical targets, from serious polemic to lighter squibs and character portrayals. It includes How to Write History and his most famous piece, A True History, a fabulous tale of space travel and a monstrous whale which prefigures the fantasies of Jules Verne. This lively new translation is both accurate and idiomatic, and the introduction highlights Lucian's importance in his own and later times. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Trial

* Description: Socrates is accused of impiety and corrupting the youth, and he is brought before a jury to defend himself.
* Real Example: A modern-day example of a trial for a similar offense could be a teacher facing charges for teaching controversial or allegedly inappropriate material in a classroom setting.

Chapter 2: Crito

* Description: Socrates is visited in prison by his friend Crito, who urges him to escape before he is executed. Socrates argues that it is morally wrong to disobey the laws of one's city, even if those laws are unjust.
* Real Example: A contemporary illustration of this dilemma could be a whistleblower who faces legal repercussions for exposing wrongdoing within a government or corporation.

Chapter 3: Gorgias

* Description: Socrates engages in a dialogue with the famous rhetorician Gorgias, challenging Gorgias's belief that rhetoric is the most important virtue. Socrates argues that true virtue lies in knowing what is good and just, not in being able to persuade others.
* Real Example: An analogous situation in modern society would be a debate between a politician who emphasizes charisma and rhetoric over knowledge and wisdom.

Chapter 4: Meno

* Description: Socrates seeks to show Meno that he already possesses knowledge of virtue, even if he cannot explicitly define it. Socrates uses the method of dialectic to lead Meno through a series of questions that help him discover his own understanding.
* Real Example: A similar approach is employed in modern education, where teachers often use Socratic questioning to draw out student understanding and facilitate critical thinking.

Chapter 5: Apology

* Description: Socrates delivers his defense speech at his trial, arguing that he is not guilty of the charges against him. Socrates emphasizes his commitment to seeking truth and wisdom, even if it comes at a personal cost.
* Real Example: A contemporary example of a similar speech could be an activist or dissident speaking out against unjust laws or policies.

Chapter 6: Phaedo

* Description: Socrates discusses the nature of immortality with his friends before he drinks the hemlock that will end his life. Socrates argues that the soul is immortal and that true happiness lies in seeking knowledge and virtue.
* Real Example: A modern parallel to this conversation could be a discussion on the afterlife or the meaning of life at the end of a loved one's life.

Chapter 7: Symposium

* Description: Socrates and his friends participate in a drinking party where they each give speeches in praise of love. Socrates argues that love is the desire for beauty and that the highest form of love is the love of knowledge and wisdom.
* Real Example: A present-day equivalent could be a celebration or discussion where individuals share their perspectives on the nature and importance of love and relationships.