Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno and Phaedo all make what are often referred to as “the Socratic Dialogues of Plato.” Taken together, they present a sort of miniseries which covers the charges, arrest, trial and execution of Socrates. In reality, Meno really does not fit perfectly with the others, but does wind up being an essential element in the interconnectedness due to the coincidental appearance of a character who will later become of the courtroom accusers at the trial.
The Euthyphro features Socrates being charged with corrupting the youth of Athens by Meletus. The Apology is like a courtroom drama reporting on the trial. Crito explains the reasoning behind the philosopher’s escape from prison after being having been condemned in the Apology. Phaedo offers a glimpse into the philosophy of a man facing certain death from execution. Thus, to create a linear progression one would begin with Meno and then work chronologically through to Phaedo. It is important to understand that though the dialogues except for Meno do have a certain built-in “To Be Continued” quality to them, they are all standalone works focusing on particular and specific topics of philosophical interests.
For instance, Euthyphro is deeply concerned with issues and arguments related to questions concerning piety and impiety. The title of the Apology can be misleading because it can be easily assumed that Socrates must be apologizing for the transgressions of which he has been accused, but in this case apology is actually synonymous with defense. Here is Socrates presenting an argument defending himself against charges of corruption the morals of the youth and impiety. Crito and Phaedo are the closest to becoming sequels to each other of the Socratic dialogues because they focus not only on the final days of the philosopher but reveal the impact of his teachings upon his fervent defenders. As is often the case, it as this point—the linkage between Crito and Phaedo—that the “miniseries” quality reaches its greatest intensity and dramatic impact. And it is this quality which makes Plato’s Socratic dialogues which track the progression toward the tragic final destination of arguably the most famous philosopher in history so timely.
These dialogues have been read, studied, analyzed, and debated for thousands of years, but their structure has perhaps never been more ideally suited young readers in modern times. And young is a very loosely applied application. Those who first lined up to see the finale in the original Star Wars trilogy were nearing senior status as their kids and grandkids line up to see the latest installment in of the third Star Wars trilogy or any of a number of movie series. Several generations have been raised on the idea of self-contained stories being essential links in a larger narrative chain.
Meno, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo are the Ancient Greek philosophy equivalent of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers. It is philosophy tailor-made for the limited series binge generation.
