Abstract

This book is an introduction to philosophy presented in the dialogue style used by the historic philosopher, Plato. Set in a fictional middle school, the protagonist, Sophia, engages in philosophical dialogue with her teachers and fellow students. At the end of each dialogue, a short chapter explains the logical structure of the conversation that has taken place. This book can therefore be used either as entertainment or as a learning resource by parents and teachers to develop rational thinking in children. Topics discussed by Sophia and her friends include the nature of learning, ethics, theories of knowledge, and justice. Three of the dialogues are modernized versions of Plato’s dialogues, thus providing young people with an introduction to the origin of Philosophy. And in keeping with the Platonic tradition, discussions start with simple questions and develop in complexity as each answer prompts a new question. The final two dialogues are based on Plato’s Apology and Crito in which Socrates stands trial for corrupting the youth of Athens. In the context of this book, the dialogues occur when the Deputy Principal, who finds Sophia infuriating, conspires to have her expelled. At her expulsion hearing, Sophia argues that the expulsion is unjust and that rather than expulsion, the school should take her out for dinner every Friday night.