Paul Levinson has outdone himself: The Plot to Save Socrates is a philosophically rich gem full of big ideas and wonderful time-travel tricks.

Honor does not have to be defended.

Since ancient times, the philosophers' secret has always been this: we know that God does not exist, or, at least, if he does, he's utterly indifferent to our individual affairs--but we can't let the rabble know that; it's the fear of God, the threat of divine punishment and the promise of divine reward, that keeps in line those too unsophisticated to work out questions of morality on their own.

It is either coincidence piled on top of coincidence," said Hollus, "or it is deliberate design.

Naturally, one does not normally discuss plans to commit murder with the intended victim.

That natural selection can produce changes within a type is disputed by no one, not even the staunchest creationist. But that it can transform one species into another — that, in fact, has never been observed.

The right things to do are those that keep our violence in abeyance; the wrong things are those that bring it to the fore.