Overview
Philosopher Luis E. Navia presents a compelling portrayal of Socrates in this very readable and well-researched book, which is both a biography of the man and an exploration of his ideas. Through a critical and documented study of the major ancient sources about Socrates — in the writings of Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle — Navia reconstructs a surprisingly consistent portrait of this enigmatic philosopher. He links Socrates’ conviction that the unexamined life is not worth living with Immanuel Kant’s later concept of an innate moral imperative as the only meaningful purpose of human existence. He highlights Socrates’ unrelenting search for the essence and value of the soul as that aspect of his philosophical journey that animated and structured all his activities. Navia also considers Socrates’ relationship with the Sophists, his stance vis-à-vis the religious beliefs and practices of his time, his view of the relationship between legality and morality, and the function of language in human life. Finally, he eloquently captures the Socratic legacy, which, more than twenty-four centuries after his death, is still so urgently relevant today.
Navia brings to life this perennially important philosopher, illuminating the relevance of his ideas for our modern world.
This book title, Socrates (A Life Examined), ISBN: 9781591025016, by Luis E. Navia, published by Prometheus Books (March 6, 2007) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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