PLATO'S EUTHYPHRO, APOLOGY, AND CRITO

A Platonic dialogue attempts to find truth through the push-pull of dialectic, that verbal give-and-take that stimulates thought and uncovers falsehood. Agora Publications has recorded some of Plato's most famous dialogues and also publishes the modernized texts by Albert A. Anderson of Benjamin Jowett's 1873 translations used for these recordings. All of the tapes make for a lively exposure to Platonic thought. The three short dialogues, Euthyphro, Apology and Crito, explore the charges against Socrates of corrupting Athenian youth, his defense and his refusal to flee the death sentence. The philosophical nature of the talk makes the printed manual a valuable supplement to this audiobook. The ideal preparation is to read the dialogue before listening to the tapes. Director Raymond Munro establishes a relaxed, conversational pace that allows the listener unfamiliar with Plato to absorb the ideas and follow the developing thought. Agora should be applauded for its plan to record all of Plato's dialogues. Both students and the interested general listener will welcome the tapes as a vivid way to experience classical literature. G.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 99]