In engaging five of Plato's dialogues_Theaetetus, Euthyphro, Cratylus, Sophist, and Statesman_and by paying particular attention to Socrates' intellectual defense in the 'philosophic trial' by the Stranger from Elea, Jacob Howland illuminates Plato's understanding of the proper relationship between philosophy and politics. This insightful and innovative study illustrates the Plato's understanding of the difference between sophistry and philosophy, and it identifies the innate contradictions of political philosophy that Plato observed and remain entrenched within the field to this day. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of political philosophy.

"An admirable book—not only a thoughtful and impressively wide-ranging study of Plato’s dialogues, but a sharply focused and quite accessible one as well. It will be valuable to both experienced and relatively new readers of Plato…The book sets out a bright and novel agenda for reading and discussing Plato.”" - The Review of Politics

"Howland provides an insightful interpretation of Socrates'." - CHOICE, September 1998 Vol. 36 No. 1

"Howland's argument for the thesis is forceful..." - Review of Metaphysics

"Howland provides a thoughtful consideration of philosophic drama, a close textual reading of the octology, and useful diagrams of the steps and divisions in the Sophist and the Statesman. . . . His insightful interpretation of Socrates' views and character is a useful companion to the octology while illuminating the sophist who is at the same time not a sophist." - CHOICE