The Roots of Political Philosophy: Ten Forgotten Socratic Dialogues

by Thomas L. Pangle

This book consists of literal English translations of ten Socratic dialogues that have been largely neglected for the last century. Although everyone of these dialogues belongs to the classical canon of Platonic writings and was accepted as genuine in antiquity, most were condemned as forgeries in the early nineteenth century--and have remained under a shadow ever since. In his long introductory essay, Thomas L. Pangle offers a spirited criticism of arguments that have been adduced to support the view that some of the dialogues are counterfeit and shows in scrupulous detail why he believes in their authenticity.

Each dialogue is accompanied by an interpretive essay that demonstrates how a close reading of the dialogue sheds revealing light on the Platonic understanding of political theory, ethics, aesthetics, and the philosophic way of life as exemplified by Socrates. The essays include previously published pieces, some of classic stature, as well as studies written especially for this volume.

Opening an entirely new dimension of Platonic studies, The Roots of Political Philosophy addresses, in a fresh or unfamiliar perspective, major themes and puzzles such as: the nature of law, of property, and of acquisitiveness; the meaning of Socrates' famous demonic voice; what is at stake in the poetic claim to inspiration; and the psychology of the tyrannic as opposed to the statesmanlike or political personality.

Political scientists, philosophers, classicists, and students who are familiar with the textual approach associated with Leo Strauss will welcome this book, as will other readers with an interest in ancient Greek philosophy and political thought.

Contributors and translators: Allan Bloom, Christopher Bruell, Steven Forde, James Leake, Carnes Lord, James H. Nichols, Clifford Orwin, Thomas L. Pangle, Leo Strauss, and David Sweet.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Joshua Emmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly couldn't tell you what makes these dialogs the "roots of political philosophy", but they are some of my favorites (Hipparchus, Laches, the Hippiasesesss...) that I haven't been able to find anywhere outside of the Princeton "Collected Dialogs". Obviously these translations are better. Modern yet very literal.

[Serge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hertog Seminar on Aristotle's Rhetoric Summer 2025

[Will Spohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection of both dialogues and interpretative essays. Having gone from some of the bigger works to these “smaller” works I hoped to be providing of an easier experience, but, as I should have known, Plato is still Plato. But, I do think that by reading more of the PCU (Plato Cinematic Universe), I can get a better general feel for things. I particularly enjoyed the Theages, Alcibiades I, and Ion. The two Hippias’ and the Minos I thought to be the most confusing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.