This book addresses the problem of fully explaining Socrates motives for philosophic interlocution in Platos dialogues. Why, for instance, does Socrates talk to many philosophically immature and seemingly incapable interlocutors? Are his motives in these cases moral, prudential, erotic, pedagogic, or intellectual? In any one case, can Socrates reasons for engaging an unlikely interlocutor be explained fully on the grounds of intellectual self-interest (i.e., the promise of advancing his own wisdom)? Or does his activity, including his self-presentation and staging of his death, require additional motives for adequate explanation? Finally, how, if at all, does our conception of Socrates motives help illuminate our understanding of the life of reason as Plato presents it? By inviting a multitude of authors to contribute their thoughts on these questionall of whom share a commitment to close reading, but by no means agree on the meaning of Platos dialoguesthis book provides the reader with an excellent map of the terrain of these problems and aims to help the student of Plato clarify the tensions involved, showing especially how each major stance on Socrates entails problematic assumptions that prompt further critical reflection.

Paul J. Diduch is an Instructor in the Herbst Program of Humanities for Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. He has published articles and reviews on Plato and Thucydides and is currently working on Socrates critique of pre-Socratic science and the problems of virtue and knowledge in Platos thought.
Michael P. Hardingis an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Political Science at Montgomery College, USA. He earned his doctorate from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas, USA.

1. Editors' Introduction.- 2. The Strange Conversation of Platos Minos.- 3. Platonic Beginnings.- 4. A Look at Socrates Motives in the Laches.- 5. Socrates Self-Knowledge.- 6. Socrates Exhortation to Follow the Logos.- 7. Philosophy, Eros, and the Socratic Turn.- 8. Free to Care: Socrates Political Engagement.- 10. Socrates: Sisyphean or Overflowing?.- 11. Socrates Motives and Human Wisdom in Platos Theages.- 12. Platos Euthyphro on Divine and Human Wisdom.- 13. On the Question of Socratic Benevolence.- 14. Philanthropy in the Action of the Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito.- 15. Philosophic Care in the Life of Platos Socrates.- 16. Platos Sons and the Library of Magnesia.