Jesus and Socrates - Dr. Peter Kreeft

Dr. Peter Kreeft explores the profound parallels and radical distinctions between Socrates and Jesus, examining how these two figures fundamentally shaped the course of human history and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

This lecture was given on September 21st, 2026, at Brown University.

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About the Speaker:

Peter Kreeft, PhD, serves as Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, where he has taught since 1965.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Dr. Kreeft completed his undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before pursuing graduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, earning an MA (1961) and PhD (1965). Dr. Kreeft taught at Villanova University from 1962 to 1965, and has taught courses at numerous academic institutions, including Fordham University, The King's College (New York City), St. Charles Seminary, and Our Lady of Grace Seminary. Dr. Kreeft is a sought-after speaker who has taught, lectured, and written topics as varied as classical philosophy, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, virtue, and surfing. He has written over 80 books, including A Summa of the Summa, Socratic Logic, and Back to Virtue.

This project/publication was made possible through the support of Grant 63391 from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

Keywords: Socrates, Jesus, Philosophy And Theology, Socratic Method, Christian Apologetics, History Of Philosophy, Martyrdom, Faith And Reason