''From Socrates To Satre'' presents a rousing and readable introduction to the lives, and times of f he great philosophers. This thought-provoking book takes us from the inception of Western society Plato's Athens to today when the commanding power of Marxism has captured one third of the world. T.Z. Lavine, Elton Professor of Philosophy at George Washington University, makes philosophy come alive with astonishing clarity to give us a deeper, more meaningful understanding of ourselves and our times. ''From Socrates To Satire'' discusses Western philosophers in terms of the historical and intellectual environment which influenced them, and it connects their lasting ideas to the public and private choices we face in America today ''From Socrates To Satre'' formed the basis for the PBS television series of the same name.