Book Launch: How to Think Like Socrates

Xenophon's Memorabilia is a collection of anecdotes and dialogues featuring Socrates. Unlike Plato's dialogues, Xenophon's account presents a more straightforward and less philosophically abstract portrayal of Socrates. The Memorabilia offers valuable insights into Socrates' daily life, his interactions with others, and his practical approach to philosophy. It provides a complementary perspective to Plato's writings, enriching our understanding of Socrates' personality and teachings. The work's historical value lies in its depiction of Athenian society and the intellectual climate of the time. It remains a significant source for understanding Socrates' life and thought.

Axiochos, a pseudo-Platonic dialogue, explores themes of death and the afterlife. While not definitively attributed to Plato, it's believed to have been written by one of his students or followers. The dialogue features a conversation between Socrates and Axiochos, focusing on the soul's nature and its fate after death. It offers a unique perspective on Socrates' philosophy and its implications for understanding mortality. The dialogue's exploration of death and the afterlife provides a compelling reflection on the human condition. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of timeless themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

In this book, Donald J. Robertson combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of Stoic philosophy. The book follows Marcus Aurelius' journey from a young noble to his reign as emperor of Rome, highlighting how he used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure adversity. Robertson guides readers on how to apply these same methods to their own lives, making Stoicism accessible and relevant in a modern context.

In this dialogue, Plato presents a discussion on the concept of love (eros) among a group of Athenian intellectuals, including Socrates, Phaedrus, Aristophanes, and Alcibiades. The dialogue delves into various dimensions of love, such as its relationship to beauty, virtue, and wisdom. It challenges conventional views on love and presents a philosophical exploration of its role in achieving a good and virtuous life. The work is set at the house of Agathon, a tragic poet, and features a series of praise speeches that reflect different viewpoints on love[1][3][4].

In this book, Armand D'Angour delves into the life of Socrates, challenging common myths and presenting a new perspective on how Socrates became the philosopher he is known for. The book focuses on the influence of Aspasia of Miletus, a brilliant and educated woman, who is argued to be the real-life inspiration behind the character of Diotima in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour uses neglected sources to portray Socrates as a young man who was transformed by his experiences, including his love for Aspasia, into the philosopher who laid the foundations of Western philosophy. The book provides a detailed account of Socrates' life, correcting misperceptions and offering a historically grounded portrait of the man behind the philosophy.

Plato's Apology is a compelling courtroom drama recounting Socrates' defense against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, showcasing his unwavering commitment to truth and philosophical inquiry.

Gorgias es un diálogo de Platón que explora la naturaleza de la retórica, la justicia y el bien. El diálogo presenta una discusión entre Sócrates y Gorgias, un sofista conocido por su habilidad retórica. Platón critica la retórica vacía y argumenta que la verdadera justicia se basa en el conocimiento del bien. Gorgias es un ejemplo de la crítica de Platón a la sofística y su búsqueda de la verdad. Su impacto radica en su exploración de la retórica y su relación con la justicia.

In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.

In 'How to Think Like Socrates', Donald J. Robertson masterfully recreates the setting and powerful ideas of ancient Athens, introducing modern readers to the birth of philosophy through the figure of Socrates. The book combines philosophy, history, and psychotherapy, highlighting the practicality of Socratic self-examination and rational reflection for a fulfilling life. It explores Socratic dialogues and their connection to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions to alleviate distress and foster emotional well-being. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and innovative approach, making it highly accessible and recommended for those interested in philosophy and self-improvement[2][4][5].

The Phaedo is a dialogue that recounts the events and conversations on the day of Socrates' death. It presents Plato's metaphysical, psychological, and epistemological views, including the Theory of Forms and four arguments for the immortality of the soul. The dialogue also discusses the relationship between the body and the soul, and it contains a moving account of Socrates' final hours and his philosophical views on the afterlife[2][3][5].