Laches by Plato (390)
The dialogue revolves around the concept of justice and the nature of right action. It centers on a dispute between two men over a ship that has sunk in a storm. One man claims ownership of the ship, while the other disputes this claim. The discussion explores the idea that true justice is not about winning or losing, but rather about doing what is right.
By Plato · First published 390 · Genre: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Ethics · 14,828 words
First lines
Persons of the dialogue: Lysimachus, son of Aristides Melesias, son of Thucydides Their sons Nicias, Laches, Socrates
What this Textopian page supports
Laches is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 390 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plato
- Date: 390 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Ethics, Classical Literature, Educational
- Length: 14,828 words
- Structure: 1 section, 258 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Laches by Plato
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Laches?
- How does this essay by Plato fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Dialogue first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sophist by Plato
- Theaetetus by Plato
- Gorgias by Plato
- Euthydemus by Plato
- Charmides by Plato
- Meno by Plato
Genres
- Philosophical Dialogue — The work is structured as a dialogue exploring ethical concepts, particularly the nature of courage.
- Socratic Dialogue — It employs the Socratic method, featuring discussions that reveal deeper truths through questioning.
- Ethics — The central themes revolve around moral philosophy and the examination of virtue.
- Classical Literature — It is a significant work within the canon of ancient Greek literature, reflecting the style and concerns of its time.
Tags
Philosophy · Ethics · Socratic Method · Dialectic · Dialogue · Ancient Greek Philosophy · Platonic Dialogues · Justice · Courage · Honor · Virtue Ethics · Moral Development