Plato's Laches

By: Plato

Narrated by: Ray Childs

Laches, a general in the Athenian army, saw Socrates fight bravely in the battle of Delium. When he and Nicias, another general, are asked to explain the idea of courage, they are at a loss, and words fail them.

How does courage differ from thoughtless and reckless audacity? Can a lion be said to be courageous? What about small children who have little idea of the dangers they face? Should we call people courageous who do not know whether their bravery will produce good or bad consequences? What kind of education and training promotes both courage and goodness in people, whether they are young or old?

Plato constantly presents courage as an essential quality for all who seek to live a good life, so what does it mean when even the bravest leaders of Athens cannot tell us what courage really is?

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Plato

These versions of Platos works are the best I have heard. The voice actors are consistent and understandable. Having read all the works, I highly recommend these Audible titles to enrich your philosophical understandings.

Elegant

Elegant Platonic dialog very well performed. The variety of voices helps follow the verbal sparring.