Laches

Name: Laches
Author: Plato

By Plato

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About This Book

Two fathers debate whether to have their sons learn a public exhibition of arms, prompting generals to give their opinions and Socrates to join the conversation. Socratic questioning examines competing definitions of courage—as a military skill, as knowledge of fearful and hopeful things, and as a part or whole of virtue—and reveals contradictions in those accounts. The dialogue separates practical fighting ability from moral courage and tests whether knowledge alone can explain virtuous action. The examination concludes without a definitive definition, modeling refutation and shared perplexity rather than settling the issue.

About the Author

Plato

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, whose works have profoundly influenced Western philosophy. He is best known for his dialogues, which explore various philosophical themes including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. Among his most notable works is the "Apology," which presents Socrates' defense during his trial. Plato founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. His writings, characterized by their dialectical method and exploration of ideal forms, continue to be studied for their insights into human thought and society.