Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy

by Peter Kreeft

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2002

Overview

Peter Kreeft presents this introduction to philosophy to help beginners not only understand philosophy, but fall in love with it. In his forty years of teaching, Kreeft says the most effective way to accomplish this purpose has been reading Plato’s Socratic dialogues.

Philosophy means “the love of wisdom.” In this volume Kreeft uses the dialogues of Plato to help the reader grow in that love of wisdom. No philosopher has ever been more simple, clear, and accessible to beginners as Socrates through Plato. He focuses on the Apology, what Kreeft calls “the Magna Carta of philosophy” and “a portable classroom,” as a model partner for the reader to dialogue with.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Provides a helpful introduction to philosophy
• Uses the dialogues of Plato to help the reader grow into a love of wisdom
• Focuses on the Apology as a model partner for the reader to dialogue with

Contents

• The Apology of Socrates: Philosophy Defended
• From the Euthyphro: Philosophy Exemplified
• From the Phaedo: Philosophy Martyred

Top Highlights

“This is, of course, ironic. Irony is the contrast between appearance and reality, between what seems and what is, or between what we expect and what we discover.” (Page 18)

“Socrates probably meant by ‘know thyself’, not ‘objectify the subject’ or ‘define the indefinable unique individual you’, but simply ‘know what it is to be a human being. Know the differences between men and beasts, between men and gods, and between good and evil.’” (Page 17)

“Instead of rhetoric, Socrates uses simple, plain speech, ordinary language, because this is clearer, and clarity is the servant of truth.” (Page 21)

“But philosophy is unpopular, by its very nature, because it does not satisfy our material desires but questions them, and us, like a cross-examining lawyer.” (Page 28)

“Rhetoric is the art of persuasion by words. In ancient Athens, which did not have modern media technology, rhetoric was a tremendously powerful tool, for it was a power over other people, not just nature, and over their minds, not just their bodies. Since it is powerful, it is dangerous, but it is not intrinsically evil. If it serves truth, it is good; if it serves falsehood, it is evil. There are honest ways to persuade people (by appealing to objective evidence and logic) and also dishonest ways (by appealing to anything other than truth and goodness, for example, fear, force, prejudice, lust, greed, pride, and so on).” (Pages 20–21)

Praise for the Print Edition

If only every introductory course were as engaging as Philosophy 101 by Peter Kreeft! Kreeft offers a marvelous way of using Plato’s Apology both to introduce the whole scope of philosophy and to evoke a personal response.

—Joseph Koterski, professor of philosophy, Fordham University

A terrific introduction to philosophy. It will awaken many a student to the delights of Plato and philosophy. The comparisons of Socrates with Christ are fascinating. This book will go a long way to consoling those who are not privileged to have Socrates or Kreeft as teachers in the flesh.

—Janet Smith, professor of philosophy, University of Dallas

Product Details

• Title: Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy via Plato’s Apology
• Author: Peter Kreeft
• Series: Socrates Meets …
• Publisher: Ignatius
• Print Publication Date: 2002
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Pages: 152
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Socrates; Plato › Apology; Philosophy › Introductions
• ISBNs: 9781587318306, 158731830X
• Resource ID: LLS:PHLSPHY101SCRTS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:37:12Z

About Peter Kreeft

Peter John Kreeft, Ph.D., (born 1937) is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and The King’s College, and author of numerous books as well as a popular writer on philosophy, Christian theology, and specifically Roman Catholic apologetics. He also formulated together with Ronald K. Tacelli, SJ, “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God.”