The Trial of Socrates (Philosophebooks)

Apparently, cartoons are a big turn off for people between the ages of 14 and 21. Before the age of 14, cartoons are great, and after the age of 21 we don’t care if people think cartoons are for children, but between those ages, cartoons are seen as patronising.

Assuming that this is true, this book is aimed at anyone under the age of 14 (as long as you don’t mind the 27 uses of the word “crap”), and anyone over the age of 21.

The Trial of Socrates is the story of the trial of one of the most influential philosophers of all time, told in an accessible style, with illustrations.

In addition to the details of Socrates’ life and trial, the book also introduces a number of philosophical arguments relating to truth in ethics, circular arguments, moral luck, impartiality in the law, arguments for and against democracy, and obligations to obey the law.

As a young man, Socrates had been a hoplite in the Athenian army – and, apparently, a courageous one. For Socrates, standing his ground and sticking to his principles was just like his duty, as a soldier, to stay at his post in the Athenian army.

“Any man who is worth anything at all will not consider whether or not a course of action will lead to his death. He will ask only if his act is right or wrong, and if his behaviour is the behaviour of a good man or of a bad man So, Athenians, either acquit me or do not, but understand that I will not change my ways, even if I have to die a thousand deaths.”


Approximately 11,000 words. With 38 colour illustrations.


NOTE:

YOU DO NOT NEED TO OWN A KINDLE TO READ KINDLE BOOKS.

You can get free kindle apps for pc, iphone, ipad, etc. See http://roblawlor.wordpress.com/reading-ebooks/

In fact, even if you have a kindle, this book is actually best read on something other than a kindle (or on a kindle fire), as all of the illustrations are in colour.


Rob Lawlor is a lecturer in applied ethics at the University of Leeds.


Reviews of Shades of Goodness, published by Palgrave Macmillan:

“Rob Lawlor’s book is philosophically penetrating, innovative, well argued and well written. All students of consequentialism and deontology will have to read this book.” – Professor Brad Hooker.

“Rob Lawlor has produced an excellent book which should be of interest to anyone concerned with the nature of moral theories and the forms of explanation that they embody… This bare outline, though, does not convey what a splendidly rich source of ideas and arguments the book provides…” – Hugh Upton (Analysis)