The Charmides and Laches

What is temperance, and how does it differ from mere self-restraint? What is courage, and can it exist without wisdom? In these two timeless dialogues, Plato invites us into the heart of Socratic inquiry—where earnest men of Athens gather to test their deepest convictions about human excellence. This modern English edition renders Plato’s arguments in fresh, natural language while preserving the logic, humor, and urgency of the original exchanges. Charmides explores whether self-knowledge is the key to temperance, while Laches confronts the puzzle of courage in the heat of battle and in the quiet decisions of everyday life. Neither dialogue offers easy answers, but both illuminate the path of genuine philosophical reflection—one that remains as vital today as it was in ancient Athens. Whether you are new to Plato or returning to these texts, this volume provides a clear, faithful, and engaging entry into the foundational questions of Western ethics. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.