Plato's First Tetralogy

In each of the four narratives, the reader is invited into a world inhabited by Socrates, to follow his last days and witness his character.

In Euthyphro we walk beside him as we watch him expose Euthyphro's bs, marveling at his ability to unravel Euthyphro's claims. We laugh at his wit and worry over his fate.

In the Apology we sit amongst the jurors, critically evaluating what is said and meditating on the transpired events now removed from the theatrics.

In Crito, if we sympathetic we plea alongside, hoping he'll be persuaded to reason, while if antagonistic patiently watch if he proves himself all too human, thereby vindicating ourselves.

In the death scene of Phaedo, we find hope in Socrates' fate yet are embarrassed by our grief. We marvel at his courage, learn from his counsel, relish our final moments with this great man.

Here we explore for ourselves a man quite unlike who we imagined from his reputation. We accede to some points, form our own views, distance ourselves from shortcomings of other characters, and enjoy the pleasure of discoursing w/ a man who threw all of Athens into an uproar.