Socrates

A Beginner's Guide to the Life, Ideas, and Lasting Impact of Socrates, Including the Socratic Method and the Famous Declaration That the Unexamined Life Is Not Worth LivingAlex Omberg

Length2h 6m

About this audiobook

This beginner's guide unravels the puzzle of Socrates, the foundational yet enigmatic figure of Western philosophy who never wrote a single word. Confronting the "Socratic Problem," the book explores how we understand this pivotal thinker through the varied accounts of Plato, Xenophon, and Aristophanes. It demystifies his revolutionary approach to truth, detailing the famous Socratic Method and the profound wisdom behind his claim to "know nothing." The guide delves into his core ethical teachings—that virtue is knowledge and that "the unexamined life is not worth living"—framing them within the dramatic context of his life as the "gadfly" of Athens, his trial, and his principled death.

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★★ 5.0 (1)

GenrePhilosophy, Biography and Memoir

Length2 hrs 6 mins

Narrated bySelect Your Own

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateAug 17, 2025

LanguageEnglish

1Preface

10The Trial of Socrates: Democracy's Dilemma

2The Gadfly of Athens: A Life in Questions

11The Death of Socrates: Choosing Principle Over Life

3The Oracle’s Riddle: What It Means to Know Nothing

12The Socratic Legacy: From Plato to Modern Education

4The Socratic Method: Questioning for Truth

13Socratic Teaching in the Modern World

5Virtue and the Care of the Soul

14The Problem of Other Minds: Knowing Ourselves and Others

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6The Unity of Virtues: Why Good Character Comes as a Package

15Socratic Humility in an Age of Information

7Socratic Irony: The Art of Productive Confusion

16Becoming Your Own Socrates: A Personal Practice

8The Examined Life: Philosophy as a Way of Living

17Conclusion

9Socrates and Religion: Between Piety and Blasphemy

About the author

Alex Omberg

I publish audiobooks dedicated to philosophy and the biographies of literary giants. Also known as "The Philosophy School," my work focuses on substance and clarity. I aim to provide professional, thorough overviews that explain ideas and lives simply, without talking down to the listener. Whether exploring Stoicism or the world of Virginia Woolf, you will find reliable narratives here. To stay updated on new releases, please subscribe to my mailing list using the link in the personal website section.View all by Alex Omberg