Charmides

In this early Platonic dialogue, Socrates encounters the handsome and well‑educated youth Charmides, who has just been appointed a magistrate. Intrigued by the young man's reputation for self‑control, Socrates asks him to define the word “sophrosyne”—often rendered as temperance or moderation. Their exchange quickly turns into a careful examination of what it means to know oneself and to govern one’s desires.

The conversation proceeds through a series of proposed definitions, each of which Socrates gently unpacks, showing how a simple notion can conceal deeper contradictions. As the participants weigh examples from medicine, law, and everyday life, the dialogue illustrates the Socratic method of relentless questioning. Listeners are drawn into the subtle dance between certainty and doubt that characterises Plato’s early work.

This edition presents a clear, approachable translation accompanied by insightful introductions and notes that situate the dialogue within the broader context of ancient philosophy. The scholarly apparatus helps modern ears follow the nuanced arguments without losing the original’s rhythm. It offers both a rewarding philosophical encounter and a glimpse into the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of classical Athens.