Philosophy Audiobooks

Dive into the intriguing debate on whether virtue can be taught or is an innate quality. Socrates raises thought-provoking questions about the failures of great figures to instill goodness in their children. The discussion navigates historical examples, challenging the belief that education alone shapes moral character. Ultimately, it suggests that true virtue may be a divine gift, enriching individuals and society alike. A philosophical journey into the essence of what makes us good!

Book II 2:21:36, III 3:32:37, IV 5:07:12, V 6:36:43 Tusculan Disputations (Latin: TUSCULANARUM DISPUTATIONUM) is divided into five books which discuss death, pain, grief, perturbations and virtue. At issue is whether wise people can always be happy regardless of the apparent evil that fortune throws in their way. Andrew Peabody says the A. and M. in the text may stand for Auditor, Adolescens, Atticus or Aulus and Marcus or Magister. Painting: The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. 

Epinomis (ΕΠΙΝΟΜΙΣ) may not have been written by Plato. The text praises mathematics and astronomy as the purest forms of religious expression by arguing that God implanted mathematical tendencies in humans and that the stars are subject to divine influence. Photograph: Versailles, Maison Close, Petit Place, Mars 1921 (Brothel, Versailles, Petit Place, March 1921) by Eugène Atget.

The thirteen Epistles (Greek: ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΑΙ; Latin: EPISTOLAE) may or many not have been written by Plato. If genuine these letters provide a glimpse into the personal life of Plato including his financial concerns and political involvement with the tyrant Dionysius II. Coded language and hidden messages appear to have been used in the letters making parts difficult to understand. Translated by George Burges. Painting: Portrait of the Sisters Zénaïde and Charlotte Bonaparte by Jacques-Louis David (French, 1748 - 1825), 1821. Scanned by The J. Paul Getty Museum. 

Minos (ΜΙΝΩΣ) may not have been written by Plato. Socrates and a friend discuss whether laws are established by convention or discovered. Translated by George Burges. Painting: Portrait of Barbara Kressin by Netherlandish Master, active Germany, 1544.

Clitopho is the Latin title the short dialogue which is also known as Clitophon or Cleitophon (ΚΛΕΙΤΟΦΩΝ). Plato may or may not have been the author. Clitopho complains that Socrates is good at exhorting people to justice but not able to make them just. Translated by George Burges. Painting: After the Bath by Edgar Degas.

Theages (ΘΕΑΓΗΣ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses who the proper teacher is for young Theages to learn the skills of a tyrant. Translated by George Burges. Painting: David with the Head of Goliath by Guido Cagnacci.

Hipparchus (ΙΠΠΑΡΧΟΣ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses whether iniquitous gain is really gain at all. Translated by George Burges. Painting: The Ransom by John Everett Millais.

Rival Lovers (Ancient Greek: ΕΡΑΣΤΑΙ or ΑΝΤΕΡΑΣΤΑΙ Latin: AMATORES) which is also known as The Rivals may not have been written by Plato. Socrates, an athlete and an advocate of liberal education discuss whether philosophers are useful to society and reach some uncertain conclusions. Translated by George Burges. Painting: Three Lovers by Théodore Géricault.

Hippias Major (ΙΠΠΙΑΣ ΜΕΙΖΩΝ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses what true beauty is and includes a maiden, gold and a porridge spoon as possible instances. Translated by George Burges. Painting: The Eternal Feminine (L'Éternel Féminin) c.1877 by Paul Cézanne.