Philosophy Audiobooks

Theages (ΘΕΑΓΗΣ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses who the proper teacher is for young Theages to learn the skills of a tyrant. Translated by George Burges. Painting: David with the Head of Goliath by Guido Cagnacci.

Hipparchus (ΙΠΠΑΡΧΟΣ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses whether iniquitous gain is really gain at all. Translated by George Burges. Painting: The Ransom by John Everett Millais.

Rival Lovers (Ancient Greek: ΕΡΑΣΤΑΙ or ΑΝΤΕΡΑΣΤΑΙ Latin: AMATORES) which is also known as The Rivals may not have been written by Plato. Socrates, an athlete and an advocate of liberal education discuss whether philosophers are useful to society and reach some uncertain conclusions. Translated by George Burges. Painting: Three Lovers by Théodore Géricault.

Hippias Major (ΙΠΠΙΑΣ ΜΕΙΖΩΝ) may not have been written by Plato. The dialogue discusses what true beauty is and includes a maiden, gold and a porridge spoon as possible instances. Translated by George Burges. Painting: The Eternal Feminine (L'Éternel Féminin) c.1877 by Paul Cézanne.

Second Alcibiades (ΑΛΚΙΒΙΑΔΗΣ Β) is also known as On Prayer. It is not certain whether Plato was the author. The text discusses prayer and concludes that it is best not to ask for specific things from God. Translated by George Burges. Illumination: Cutting from an Antiphonal c. 1465 attributed to Bartolomeo Rigossi da Gallarate.

Philebus (ΦΙΛΗΒΟΣ) is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato which discusses topics including pleasure, wisdom, the soul and God. The indulgent life of an oyster is contrasted with the thoughtful life of a philosopher. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Photograph: Mariana by Henry Peach Robinson.

Book II 2:35:05 Book III 4:10:00

On Duties (Latin: DE OFFICIIS) discusses virtue, expediency and apparent conflicts between the two. St. Ambrose, St. Jerome and other Doctors of the Roman Catholic Church considered it to be legitimate for study. Anthony Grafton says that it was the second book after the Bible printed on Gutenberg's press. It was a standard text taught at Eton College. Translated by Walter Miller. Painting: Phryne Revealed Before the Areopagus by Jean-Léon Gérôme.

Lysis (ΛΥΣΙΣ) discusses friendship and love between the good and bad. Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen named his villa on the Italian island of Capri after this Socratic dialogue. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Illumination: Denise Poncher before a Vision of Death by Master of the Chronique scandaleuse c.1500.

Book II 1:11:11 Book III 3:23:06 Book IV 4:44:32 Book V 6:11:11

On the Ends of Good and Evil (Latin: DE FINIBUS BONORUM ET MALORUM) discusses Skeptic, Epicurean, Stoic, Peripatetic and Academic views on the good life. Written by Marcus Tullius Cicero. Translated by Harris Rackham. Painting: A Young Girl Defending Herself against Eros by William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

Charmides (ΧΑΡΜΙΔΗΣ) is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato which discusses the virtues of temperance, modesty and self control. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Painting: The Daughter of the Painter by Charles Joshua Chaplin.