Laches

The Laches is a dialogue written by Plato, featuring the historical figure Laches, an Athenian general and associate of Socrates. The dialogue is part of Plato's early works, characterized by the Socratic method. In this method, Socrates engages interlocutors in a series of questions to explore concepts, often leading them to a state of aporia, or confusion, about their initial understanding.

In the Laches, the central theme is the definition of courage. The dialogue begins with generals discussing the virtue of courage, but the conversation evolves to explore the inner state underlying brave behavior, rather than just outward actions. Like other early dialogues, it serves to question assumptions and highlight the need for philosophical reflection on important human issues.