W. Thomas Schmid is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the author of On Manly Courage: A Study of Plato's Laches.

"…a lucid and thoughtful study of Plato's Charmides … a valuable starting point for readers wanting to explore the different kinds of questions (philosophical, literary, socio–political) raised by Plato's early dialogues … a stimulating study." — The Classical Review"This book is a lucid presentation of an interpretation of the Charmides that takes its essential bearings from the interplay of word and deed. Schmid's work is clear-headed, sensible, thorough, and consistently helpful. He knows the dialogue well and he makes a compelling case that, when reading Plato, it is imperative to take into account the dramatic elements as well as the logical argument. By sticking so tenaciously to the details of the text, he avoids the danger of over-generalization." — David Roochnik, Boston University"As a contribution to Plato scholarship, this book presents a clear example of an interpretive approach to Plato that unifies drama and argument, which is the most important current project of Plato scholarship. As a contribution to the academic discussion of 'Socratic philosophy,' it presents a clear and interesting alternative to the majority approach exemplified by Vlastos and his students. It will be essential reading for anyone who works on the Charmides or on Socratic philosophy." — Gerald A. Press, Hunter College, City University of New York

• Preface Acknowledgments 1. Prologue 2. Traditional Moderation 3. Self-Knowledge 4. The Socratic Ideal of Rationality 5. Metaphysics 6. Knowledge of Knowledge 7. Utopia, Dystopia, and Knowledge of the Good 8. Epilogue Appendix A. The Structure of the Charmides Appendix B. The Charmides and the Republic Appendix C. Logos and Ergon in the Charmides Notes Bibliography Index

W. Thomas Schmid is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the author of On Manly Courage: A Study of Plato's Laches.

"…a lucid and thoughtful study of Plato's Charmides … a valuable starting point for readers wanting to explore the different kinds of questions (philosophical, literary, socio–political) raised by Plato's early dialogues … a stimulating study." — The Classical Review"This book is a lucid presentation of an interpretation of the Charmides that takes its essential bearings from the interplay of word and deed. Schmid's work is clear-headed, sensible, thorough, and consistently helpful. He knows the dialogue well and he makes a compelling case that, when reading Plato, it is imperative to take into account the dramatic elements as well as the logical argument. By sticking so tenaciously to the details of the text, he avoids the danger of over-generalization." — David Roochnik, Boston University"As a contribution to Plato scholarship, this book presents a clear example of an interpretive approach to Plato that unifies drama and argument, which is the most important current project of Plato scholarship. As a contribution to the academic discussion of 'Socratic philosophy,' it presents a clear and interesting alternative to the majority approach exemplified by Vlastos and his students. It will be essential reading for anyone who works on the Charmides or on Socratic philosophy." — Gerald A. Press, Hunter College, City University of New York

• Preface Acknowledgments 1. Prologue 2. Traditional Moderation 3. Self-Knowledge 4. The Socratic Ideal of Rationality 5. Metaphysics 6. Knowledge of Knowledge 7. Utopia, Dystopia, and Knowledge of the Good 8. Epilogue Appendix A. The Structure of the Charmides Appendix B. The Charmides and the Republic Appendix C. Logos and Ergon in the Charmides Notes Bibliography Index