PART II.
THE ETHICAL SYSTEMS.
The first important name in Ancient Ethical Philosophy is SOKRATES.
[469-399 B.C.] For the views of Sokrates, as well as his method,[4] we have first the MEMORABILIA of XENOPHON, and next such of the Platonic Compositions, as are judged, by comparison with the Memorabilia, to keep closest to the real Sokrates.

Of these, the chief are the APOLOGY OF SOKRATES, the KRITON and the PHAEDON.
The 'Memorabilia' was composed by Xenophon, expressly to vindicate Sokrates against the accusations and unfavourable opinions that led to his execution.

The 'Apology' is Plato's account of his method, and also sets forth his moral attitude.

The 'Kriton' describes a conversation between him and his friend Kriton, in prison, two days before his death, wherein, in reply to the entreaties of his friends generally that he should make his escape from prison, he declares his determination to abide by the laws of the Athenian State.

Inasmuch as, in the Apology, he had seemed to set his private convictions above the public authority, he here presents another side of his character.