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Bartlett (Hellenic political studies, Boston College) provides a detailed study of the text of Plato's two dialogues, the Protagoras and the Theatetus . Bartlett mines his sources for clues about the nature of sophistry, and Socrates's more serious, nonsophistic view of political philosophy. He hints that this is highly relevant to the present time, when surface, appearance, and nonserious attitudes toward such weighty issues are once again surprisingly prevalent in the culture and among at least some philosophers. But however much recent trends and events may make one mindful of this book's message, the book is no mere popularization of how Socrates might view the contemporary world. Rather, it is a weighty and serious treatment, engaged deeply with how the Platonic dialogues grapple with issues that will surely continue to vex us over the centuries. This in-depth analysis of Plato's texts, arguments, and themes is an invaluable addition to the literature on ancient philosophy.Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.

With its consequentialist leanings and rigorous approach to logic and knowledge, analytic philosophy has been rather slow to catch Mozi (fifth century BCE), probably the first philosopher in history who would fit analytic philosophy's standards. In Fraser's account one finally sees Mozi as much more than a unique footnote or merely a means to Confucianism's philosophical growth. Fraser puts Mozi into the proper context, looking at him more as a heroic thinker who sought to provide objective standards for both theoretical and practical life, looked for equality and care for all people (not just the noble elite), and delved into psychology, just war theory, and theology. This was no armchair philosopher, and Fraser's rich explication of Mozi's philosophy gives all who have not read him a journey into Mozi's universe. Fraser's eloquent prose helps the reader understand the challenges that Mozi brilliantly faced--some of those challenges are still important to Western thinkers today--and Fraser's rebuttals of previous views further transform the picture of this important philosopher. This comprehensive companion is this reviewer's top choice for studying Mozi.Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers.