The Dialogues of Plato, Volume One: (Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Charmides, Laches, Lysis, Euthyphro, Menexenus, Ion, Gorgias, Protagoras, Meno) (Plato's Shorter Dialogues) (Volume 1)

The Dialogues of Plato, Volume One

Early Dialogues

Socrates figures in all of these, and they are considered the most faithful representations of the historical Socrates; hence they are also called the Socratic dialogues. Most of them consist of Socrates discussing a subject, often an ethical one (friendship, piety) with a friend or with someone presumed to be an expert on it. Through a series of questions he will show that apparently they don't understand it at all. It is left to the reader to figure out if "he" really understands "it". This makes these dialogues "indirect" teachings. This period also includes several pieces surrounding the trial and execution of Socrates.

- The Apology
- Crito
- Phaedo
- Charmides, or Temperance
- Laches; or Courage
- Lysis; or Friendship
- Euthyphro
- Menexenus
- Ion

The following are variously considered transitional or middle period dialogues:

- Gorgias
- Protagoras
- Meno