Reddit reviews Four Texts on Socrates: Plato's "Euthyphro", "Apology of Socrates", and "Crito" and Aristophanes' "Clouds"

I'm torn between a general intro to philosophy, some sort of historical survey, or just a regular philosophy book.

I'd probably give them Four Texts on Socrates, and insist that they read the editor's introduction for context. I just think that the best intro to philosophy is to read Plato.

If you can link me to some, probably his greatest hits to get me started? I'll try Amazon right now.

Edit: Is this one okay?

In the context of political philosophy, most syllabi I've seen start with the dialogues leading up to Socrates's trial and death.

Euthyphro, Apology and Crito. Aristophanes's Clouds can be added at the end for context (and exposure to how poets viewed the role of philosophers in ancient Greek society).

http://www.amazon.com/Four-Texts-Socrates-Euthyphro-Aristophanes/dp/0801485746

For 15 dollars with shipping this is hard to beat. The translations are incredible and it is filled with useful footnotes. Republic is also a staple, as pointed out.

Plato's Apology is a must read. It's short, maybe about 30 pages. I've read it many times, and I get something new out of it every time. Basically Socrates was put on trial for corrupting the Athenian youth and inventing new gods, and this is Plato's version of it. But the book is almost entirely Socrates' reflections on his life, and what it means to be a philosopher.

I think it's the perfect introduction to philosophy in general. He talks about many things: wisdom, death, ethics, the conscience, and what it means to know.

Here's the translation I like best. It has some other Plato dialogues and Aristophanes' play about Socrates. The running commentary is also very helpful, especially if it's your first introduction to Plato/Socrates.

Four Texts of Socrates, start with the Euthyphro.

http://www.amazon.com/Four-Texts-Socrates-Euthyphro-Aristophanes/dp/0801485746

That author is the Professor of my Philo. Professor.