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Philosophy Ancient & Classical

Socrates on Trial

A Play Based on Aristophane's Clouds and Plato's Apology, Crito, and Phaedo Adapted for Modern Performance

by (author) A.D. Irvine

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Nov 2007
Category
Ancient & Classical
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802095381
    Publish Date
    Nov 2007
    List Price
    $35.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802097835
    Publish Date
    Dec 2007
    List Price
    $61.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442689169
    Publish Date
    Sep 2013
    List Price
    $53
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442692541
    Publish Date
    Nov 2007
    List Price
    $25.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

More than 2,400 years after his death, Socrates remains an iconic but controversial figure. To his followers, he personified progressive Greek ideals of justice and wisdom. To his detractors, he was a corruptor of the young during wartime and one of the reasons Athens had suffered a humiliating defeat to Sparta in 404 BC. Socrates' story is one of historic proportions and his unyielding pursuit of truth remains controversial and relevant to the present day.

 

Socrates on Trial presents the story of Socrates as told to us by Aristophanes, Plato, Xenophon, and others. The play uses fresh language to emphasize what is important in the works of these ancient authors, while at the same time remaining faithful to the general tenor and tone of their writings. Andrew Irvine has created a script that not only fits comfortably into the space of a single theatrical performance, but is also informative and entertaining. Suited for informal dramatic readings as well as regular theatrical performances, Socrates on Trial will undoubtedly appeal to instructors and students, and its informative introduction enhances its value as a resource.

Complete with production and classroom notes, this modern recasting of the Socrates story will make riveting reading both inside and outside the classroom.

About the author

Andrew D. Irvine is a professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia.

A.D. Irvine's profile page