"A TU PER TU CON SOCRATE"

by Peter Kreeft

After teaching philosophy for forty years, Peter Kreeft finds reading the Apology of Socrates to be the most effective way to help beginners "fall in love" with wisdom. In this volume, Kreeft uses three Socratic dialogues to introduce students to philosophy, especially Plato's Apology, which Kreeft calls the "Magna Carta of philosophy."

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Greece, Theology, Catholic, Classics, School

Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent companion to get acquainted or re-acquainted with Socrates, especially his Apology. It had been awhile since I had read any of the Greeks so I thought this would be a good time to have a teacher-in-a-pocket so to speak and the author, Peter Kreeft, was very accommodating in that role.

I started reading his book, then read the entire Apology, and returned to this. It would be even more helpful to read the other two Socratic dialogues, Euthyphro and Phaedo, which Kreeft draws from to flush out his basic lesson in Philosophy. Selections of each are offered in this text so it is not essential, but might prove enlightening.

The book is entitled Philosophy 101 by Socrates. I would add ‘and Peter Kreeft’ because Kreeft adds quite a bit to draw out what Socrates has left us. Very helpful supplement.

[sch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potential textbook for dialectic course.

Finished. Won't do for my students, at least not in this class, but it was very good for their teacher. The first and longest chapter is charming and convincing. A few of the connections Kreeft draws between Socrates and the Lord Jesus are strained, but overall the comparison is sound. The final chapter on Phaedo is the least developed and least satisfying. I am persuaded not to try to teach the Apology apart from Euthyphro.

[Bennett Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply outstanding. I recently assigned the Apology to my students, but I wish I had assigned this instead. Not only does it include large selections of Euthyphro and Phaedo with the Apology, which presents the Passion of St. Socrates (trip to court, trial, and execution) in its entirety, but Kreeft's commentary simply outstanding. It is the perfect introduction to philosophy, although I think something must be said about the presocratics who came before. Back to Kreeft's comments - outstanding. They are just as good as his commentary on Pascal's Penses. They provide context, point out and explain key ideas, and allow for dialogue between the editor (Kreeft) and the author (Plato/Socrates).

[Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kreeft breaks down the themes behind the dialogues surrounding the Trial and Death of Socrates with ease. His clarity of thought is inviting to readers of all levels.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy 101 by Socrates is one of the first book in Dr. Peter Kreeft's "Socrates Meets" series. It was orginally published by Ignatius Press, but St. Augustine's Press has republished it. For those unfamiliar with this series of books, Dr. Kreeft assumes the role of Socrates and argues against philosophers such as Kant, Freud, etc. I would argue that Philosophy 101 by Socrates is a prequel to this series and should be read before reading the rest of the series, but to each their own. There are three introductions in this book - 1. Introduction to Socrates, 2. Introduction to Philosophy, and 3. Introduction to this Book. I already knew who Socrates was, but in this first introduction, I learned that there were three great introductions to philosophy, Hortensius by Cicero, Protreptikos by Aristotle, and the Apology of Socrates by Plato. Only the latter text survives, and it is the basis for Dr. Kreeft's book.

After the introduction, the book is divided into three parts - 1. Philosophy Defended (based on the Apology of Socrates), 2. Philosophy Exemplified (based on Euthyphro), and 3. Philosophy Martyred (based on Phaedo). In Part One, Dr. Kreeft discusses forty things that philosophy is, i.e., ignorant, selfish, countercultural, agnostic, etc. One doesn't often describe philosophy in these words, but Dr. Kreeft uses the Apology of Socrates masterfully to argue his case. In Philosophy Exemplified, there is about 25 pages of the Euthyphro included, Dr. Kreeft provides commentary throughout the text, and then presents us with questions of God and morality. He concludes this part of the book with reactions of an atheist; theist; agnostic; and religious Jew, Christian, or Muslim would have toward Euthyphro. In the last section, we read Phaedo, where Socrates dies, Dr. Kreeft explains that even if Socrates was just a figment of Plato's imagination, philosophy does not die. This is different than if we were to find out if Moses, or Muhammad, or Jesus were fake. The respective religion (Judaism, Islam, or Christianity) would cease to be.

Overall, I found this to be an excellent introduction to philosophy. The advanced high schooler or freshman in college would benefit greatly from reading this. The curious adult, who was sorely disappointed with his Philosophy 101 class, like myself, would benefit from reading this book as well. I truly believe if I had this book as a reference in college, I would have done better in my introductory class, and perhaps even minored in philosophy. I can't wait to pick up another one of the books in this series.

[Christopher Goins · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would come off with the idea that Socrates is the very "incarnation" of philosophy, in the same way that Jesus is the incarnation of Yahweh the living God, after reading this book. In fact, Kreeft draws many parallels between Socrates and Jesus. The book is light on history, and only mentioned when practical. Out of all the intro to philosophy books on my bookshelf -- "Philosophy: An Introduction Through Literature" (Kleiman & Lewis); "Philosophy: An Introduction" (Flew); An Introduction to Western Philosophy (Flew); Philosophy for Dummies (Morris); Introduction to Philosophy: A Christian Perspective (Geisler & Feinberg); Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview (Craig & Moreland) -- this one is the most compact at 149 pages. Also, others tend to be very technical and even those that aren't tend to introduce various problems of philosophy over the millennia. This book doesn't do that. It introduces Socrates. The book itself, as Kreeft states, "is an act of philosophizing."

[Wil Roese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Kreeft introduces Philosophy by introducing us to the father of philosophy, Socrates. He uses the Apology of Socrates to give 40 descriptions of philosophy. He shows the paradox of philosophy with such terms as foolish, simplistic and conformist. Throughout the book, Kreeft's Christian perspective comes through with comparisons of Socrates and Christ, which I think give the book a unique niche but I sure will offend some.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to philosophy in general, and Socratic method in particular. Kreeft is ever readable and clear. Especially interesting to a Christian is the large number of significant parallels between Socrates and Jesus. A must-read for overall literacy, if you--like me--have never taken a Philosophy course. This makes me want to do further reading.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems unjust to give any of Peter Kreeft's books less than five stars, but this was certainly a good book. This isn't so much an introduction to philosophy as it is a commentary on the Apology, Euthyphro, and Phaedo, which are, in my opinion, as good an introduction to the discipline as any primary source can possibly be.

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple primer that might whet your appetite for philosophy and help you grow in respect for Socrates (if all you really remember about him was that he died from drinking hemlock). You should read it unless you have a better means of accomplishing these things.

[Nick]

I am on page 67 and it is mostly about the explanation of philosophy and what philosophy Wich is a philosophical meaning in it's own. But the definition of philosophy in Socrates words is simply the love of wisdom

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction.

This book will show what Philosophy is -- friendship with wisdom...

I just wish more of the Apology was contained in, and a little more depth...

but then.. maybe that's just the point of the book.

[Elizabeth]

This is a great introduction to Greek philosophy and teaching by Socrates. It really puts into perspective what real philosophy should be.

[Arrika Arrachne]

http://www.goodreads.com/images/layou...

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

That I now nothing

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read.

[Jan Frederik Solem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Kreeft is a brilliant teacher - always crystal clear and witty. An excellent introduction to philosophy via Socrates. I enjoyed this book!

[I. Mahmood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read, but I was constantly annoyed by the heavy Christian undertones of the text. As it turns out, the author is a "Catholic apologist," which explains a lot.

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Kreeft writes is a joy and challendge.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to grasp.

[Dylan Schweitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. This book is primarily an exploration and analysis of excerpts of the Apology of Plato, Euthyphro, and Phaedo. But half the book, expands apon primarily the Apology, about what Philosphy is, which was an exciting adventure.

One thing about Peter Kreeft's writing style is he really avoid being a sophist. (Whom seem to be Socrates opponents) But Peter points to beauty, and truth and tries to expand apon it. He gives great illustrations and compares ideas and thoughts on Socrates style and thinking to other philosophical and religious schools of thought to give the reader a great facet of perspectives to enjoy and look at Socrates.

The best piece of advice to encouraging the reader to not so much analyze and pick a part Socrates, but to throw yourself into the work and try to learn from him as one of his students. This is a great tool for anyone who is trying to make a deep dive in Philosphy and not sure where to start. This gives a slight roadmap, but is primarily a giant encouragement to delve into the wonder of being a, "lover of wisdom".

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had greatly enjoyed this book! I would say that I wished I read Platos Apology before reading Philosophy 101 By Socrates. This book is mainly about the author's notes and thoughts on Plato's Apology. There was great insights and explanations to the main points in each section from excerpts of Plato's Apology. I did have some trouble following along with some ideas, but I'm positive a reread of this book will make things fall better in place. I would give this 4.5 stars!

[Kyle Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that I might like Philosophy. I thought this was a good way to get a good taste. This was an effective summary that left me wanting more. Many thanks to Powell’s City of Books in Portland for exposing me to it.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a short enjoyable read. The first section on the attributes of philosophy were interesting but it was too general for my liking. I thought the excerpts from Socrates and the accompanying commentary was very good and inspired me to pick up more of Plato's works.

[Anuj Sultania · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic intro to Socrates and the Socratic method. I absolutely loved it!

[Freddrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a good book to get your feet in the door with a look at the writings of Plato.

[Shrek · Rating 1 out of 5]

author is a crackhead fr

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says, an introduction to philosophy.

Nothing too mind-bending, but it's definitely a good read to sharpen your mind.

[Charles Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect book for anyone that wants to learn about philosophy but has never started

[Thomas Lehner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have very little training or foundational knowledge of philosophy. This book helped establish a base of what philosophy is and what it is supposed to do, and how philosophy is the seeking of wisdom and truth and always striving to know more profoundly the truth, especially of human existence.
The first section, the "Philosophy is..." section, I found as the most helpful. The descriptions of the various attributes of philosophy provided a good foundation of the goal of philosophy, as a separate discipline from theology or the natural sciences. it answered the question "What is Philosophy?"
In the second section, an example of the Socratic method, as done by Socrates, was broken down. While not a straightforward how-to, this section provided some insight on how to use philosophic methods, how to seek wisdom, how to love wisdom, in one's life.
In the third and final section, Peter Kreeft provides an example, through Socrates, the father of philosophy, and how to live a life seeking wisdom, even unto death. Mr. Kreeft demonstrates how Socrates lived and died in pursuit of the truth and of wisdom, as best as he could know it outside of Revelation, and what the implications of his actions are for the philosopher.
Mr. Kreeft also strings through the book comparisons of Socrates and his method with other philosophies and with Christ Himself. Through these demonstrations, while occasionally stretched, Mr. Kreeft hints at how Socrates and philosophy can point toward the Truth of God and Christ. He does not hammer this home, however, as he sticks to the main topic of Philosophy by Socrates.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those with little training or background in formal Philosophy. Christians will especially find it helpful.