A new translation of Plato's four-part dialogue that eulogizes the genius of his mentor Socrates.

Plato's account of Socrates' trial and death in 399 BC represents a significant moment in Western literature as well as a watershed in the life of ancient Athens. In these four dialogues, Plato develops the Socratic belief in responsibility for one's self and shows Socrates- condemned to suicide by his fellow Athenians-living and dying under his own philosophy. In Euthyphro , Socrates debates goodness outside the courthouse; Apology sees him in court, rebutting all charges of impiety; in Crito , he refuses an entreaty to escape from prison; and in Phaedo , Socrates faces his impending death with calmness and a skillful discussion of immortality.

柏拉图（Plato,约公元前427年-347年），西方思想传统奠基人之一，同苏格拉底和亚里士多德齐名。

柏拉图来自一个长期在雅典政界扮演重要角色的家庭，但由于厌恶政治圈内的暴力和腐败，他拒绝沿循这一家族传统。公元前399年，苏格拉底（他的朋友兼老师）被判死刑，更让他感到失望和恶心。受苏格拉底对道德标准的性质的种种讨论的启发，柏拉图想到要用哲学，而不是政治，来治疗社会的各种弊病。这最后成为了他的一个基本而持久的信念，即除非哲学家成为统治者或统治者成为哲学家，否则，社会的弊病永不息止。

公元前4世纪初，他在雅典创立了柏拉图学院（Academy）。这是第一个专门从事哲学研究和教学的永久性机构，也是后来所有西方大学的典型。