Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy via Plato's Apology

My introduction to Peter Kreeft’s work took place via his magnum opus Socratic Logic – A Logic Text Using Socratic Method, Platonic Questions, And Aristotelian Principles Edition 3.1. With that book Kreeft set the bar extremely high for his own work given the phenomenal job he did in the creation of that book. Thankfully, that type of high quality standard travels with him to this other book. Philosophy 101 By Socrates – An Introduction To Plato’s Apology by Peter Kreeft Ph.D. is an indispensable introduction into the realm of Philosophy. Although notably not as long as Kreeft’s book cited initially, this book still packs a punch. The author creates what one may call a ‘user-friendly’ guide to Philosophy. Given its length, the book can be read rather quickly. Additionally, Philosophy 101 by Socrates is distilled to serve as a jump-off point for the reader/learner to venture forth into other philosophical topics. Not only is it possible to use this book as a portable classroom, but it can be useful for homeschooling and even college classrooms. Arguably the main strength of the Kreeft thesis is that philosophy takes no prisoners. It questions everything. Like a curious kid asking why in their nascent stage, it seeks truth – not belief – within every crevice it dares to delve into. This may be problematic for individuals that do not want their beliefs question. Kreeft shows how Socrates ‘philosophy operates in the following passage: “Socrates is the apostle of reason. He demands that we give logical reasons, grounds for beliefs, and follow the logical consequences of our beliefs, taken as premises or hypotheses, to their logical conclusions through a number of logically compelling steps.”[1] Such incisiveness will undoubtedly get to the core of the issue far more often than not if employed correctly. And yet, as Kreeft implies, philosophy isn’t an antithesis to certain disciplines, such as religion. In fact, Kreeft goes to show how faith and reason can coexist if used trenchantly: “One of the main functions of philosophy as practiced by Socrates is a critique of religion, finding reasons for (or against) faith. These reasons often claim only probability rather than certainty; and even when they claim certainty, they may be mistaken) for man is not God and infallible); but it is surely a gain to use binocular vision, reason and faith, and to make at least somewhat clearer and/or more reasonable the ideas most people find the most important in their lives.”[2] As an introduction to philosophy and Socrates simultaneously, one would be hard-pressed to find a better book than this. In that Kreeft does an exceptional job in showing how Philosophy and Socrates interweave, especially given how Socrates planted many of the seeds for this whole discipline with his life’s work. Using Plato’s Apology as a jump-off point, Kreeft undertakes the task to show the reader many of the ways philosophy can be understood by using forty different descriptions of the subject. It was particularly interesting seeing the range of descriptions that Kreeft was able to come up with – some of it which might shock the reader – and how he was able to seamlessly show how apt those descriptions were to the act of philosophizing. Subsequent to that Kreeft gives readers a cursory analysis of parts of the Euthyphro, as well as Phaedo, which are both dialogues by Plato, the latter of which details Socrates’ last days. There are various purposes for the dialogues and the commentary that follows, and these merge swiftly with the overview of philosophy that Kreeft undertook. One of the main strengths of this book is its ability to narrow complex topics into practical – but not overly simplified – gems of information that the reader can glean. By contrast, many other philosophy books tend to overcomplicate philosophy, which turn readers off, or to oversimplify philosophy, which ends up not showcasing the latitude that philosophy can employ when used trenchantly. This practical primer of philosophy also helps readers realize the importance of the art of cross-examination, which Socrates is the father of. Coupled with that, and more importantly, by its very precision cross-examination employs in philosophy, Kreeft helps readers gain an understanding of the thorough depth which philosophy will go to in search for truth. This journey in search for Wisdom will percolate into all disciplines, and can only strengthen an individual’s repertoire. Drawing on all the data above, the book should be an integral component in education. What the book offers is a template for what’s possible by philosophy’s employment, and not having these skills/knowledge in life emblematic of a surgeon at the operating room without a scalpel. _________________________________________ Sources & References: [1] Peter Kreeft Ph.D., Philosophy 101 By Socrates – An Introduction To Plato’s Apology, p. 104. [2] Ibid., p. 141.

Peter Kreeft, Jesuit-educated philosopher at Boston College, is a well-known popularizer of philosophy for undergraduate students. This slender and glossy paperback is an introduction to philosophy through the Apology of Plato. Rather than giving a technical overview of philosophical areas like epistemology, it lists essential characteristics of philosophy (the love of wisdom) as evidenced in the life of Socrates. The book proceeds with narrative passages from the Apology, making it a fun companion to Plato's dialogue for an intro to philosophy or ancient philosophy class. Some of Kreeft's vast output is so-so, but this book is one of his best, and is a truly fun read. If you want something that will make philosophy taste a bit less like bad cough syrup, this is the book for you.

I never realized I was a philosopher until I read this book. I don't mean the kind with several degrees from Neiman Marcus-like high end universities, nor the kind that can rattle of everything about the history, the players and major movements. This book is designed those of us who knew everything in our younger days but now look out into the world in awe - at it's complexity and yet beautiful simplicity - looking for someone greater than mere mortals to thank - but still curious about those eternal Whys. Kreeft does it again - with his signature wisdom and clarity - and humble humor.

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.

Dr. Peter Kreeft has done it again. This book is yummy! If you are not a philosopher, you will get so much from this book. If you are--have fun with it. I have a great many of Dr. Kreeft's books in which Socrates plays a principle part, and because I love logic, I find each book informative and entertaining. I recommend Dr. Kreeft's work. It is readable, easy to understand, and very informative.

Thanks to Mr. Kreeft, Socrates rises from the tub and stands before us once more. It is true that Socrates never wrote but his students were smart enough to have done this for him. The simple, but most effective, method of questioning is relevant for today as it was in his time. In life and business, this method has served me well. The best take away is learning the simple, but gigantic truths, that will serve you from day one. For me, it was like coming out of a cave into the beautiful daylight. Highly recommend this for beginners and those who have already progressed. Simplify simplify - life uncluttered but fuller than you could have imagined before.

I found this book easily digestible for some informative and interesting light reading. 10/10 would read again!

As a popular writer who is also a populist writer, Kreeft is brilliant. This book is a delightful beginner's guide to one of the most important philosophical documents ever written. As a professor, and philosopher, and PhD--I am always looking for books that introduce the Great Books to students. Dr. Kreeft has written these helpful guides (4 now) to the Great Books. So if anyone out there is still reading and if anyone is still reading the Great Books, let Dr. Kreeft be of some help.

Bonne initiation.

A gift to the Vocations Centre at Whitstable. Greatly appreciated by the Vocations Director that they have received this book which has been looking for! Thanks

The author definitely has an infectious love for philosophy, which comes across. His writings about Socrates are illuminating, if a little simplistic - but given the target market and size of the book, this is to be expected. What brought the star rating down for me was the simple fact that he couldn't go for more than a couple of pages without mentioning Jesus and relating his story to that of Socrates. With that, certain assumptions and arguments reared their ugly heads, out of context and without justification. So Socrates believed in the 'supposed' gods of Greece, while the existence, the story and the divinity of Jesus are taken for granted. The choice between theism and atheism is the choice between light and darkness. These are big topics and are certainly outside the scope of the book, so really they shouldn't be there - or if necessary they should be presented as questions rather than answers. On top of this, the standard Christian response to Euthyphro's dilemma (that goodness, or piety in the original dialogue, is God's nature) is presented without exploring the problems inherent in this argument - namely that goodness, being equal to God's nature, becomes a meaningless word. If goodness is God's nature then whatever God does is good. In this way, goodness can change according to God's whims and actions; things which one may consider to be evil (like genocide, murder of children, etc.) become good if God does them. One can imagine Socrates being wholly unconvinced by that line of argument. Basically, despite a good start, this book caused too many face-palms to be truly satisfying - and it certainly wasn't an unbiased introduction to philosophy. If you're an unquestioning Christian it will present the philosophy of Socrates in a way that won't challenge your beliefs - but surely that's one of the primary functions of Philosophy? If your beliefs aren't being challenged, what's the point? If you're not a Christian, you may find the constant references to Jesus irritating and irrelevant. You may also find the subtext and implied (but not justified) beliefs distasteful and intellectually dishonest.