Socrates, the largely enigmatic Greek thinker, is universally considered to have laid the foundations of western philosophy. His philosophy, available to us through the early dialogues of Plato and the writings of his contemporaries, has had a remarkably enduring influence on virtually every area of philosophical enterprise. This comprehensive and accessible guide to Socrates life and death, character and philosophical concerns, features thirteen specially commissioned sections, written by a team of leading experts in the field of ancient philosophy, covering every aspect of Socratic thought. The Companion presents a comprehensive overview of the various features, themes and topics apparent in Socrates' thought, including Socratic irony, metaphysics, epistemology, happiness, virtue, moral psychology, philosophy of love, political philosophy, and religious belief. It concludes with a thoroughly comprehensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources. This is an essential reference tool for anyone working in the field of ancient philosophy.

Socrates, the largely enigmatic Greek thinker, has had a remarkably enduring influence on virtually every area of philosophical enterprise. The Bloomsbury Companion to Socrates introduces readers to the main issues in the philosophy of Socrates. With 13 different sections, this Companion presents an overview of current research in the various features, themes and topics apparent in Socrates' thought, including Socratic irony, metaphysics, epistemology, happiness, virtue, moral psychology, philosophy of love, political philosophy, and religious belief. With additional chapters on the historical Socrates and his prosecution by the democracy of Athens, this is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Socrates' life and death, character and philosophical concerns. Written by a team of leading experts in the field of ancient philosophy and concluding with a thoroughly comprehensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources, The Bloomsbury Companion to Socrates is an essential introduction to this founder of Western philosophy.