The RepublicIt is the first expression of the concept of a Utopia, a perfect society. It is the first thoughtful examination of the concept of an inner life. It is the classic discussion of concepts of justice. It is a profoundly reflective work on the nature of philosophy itself. It is 2,300 years old, and one of the greatest books humanity has ever produced. Written around 360 B.C., The Republicby the Greek philosopher and mathematician PLATO (c. 428 B.C.c. 347 B.C.)is the foundational work of Western thought, with notable influences on thinkers and writers as diverse as Shakespeare, Saint Augustine, and Bertrand Russell. It is impossible to overstate its importance, and its wisdom is so intense, wide-ranging, and often seemingly contradictory that it continues to generate heated debate, even controversy, to this day. Essential reading for anyone who wishes to consider him- or herself educated, this is the unabridged Republic presented in the highly readable 1894 translation by Benjamin Jowett. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
able Adeimantus admit Æschylus Agamemnon agree answer appear argument Asclepius astronomy beauty better body Cephalus Certainly Chryses citizens Clearly Clotho consider courage democracy desire drink enemies Eurypylus evil eyes father fear give Glaucon gods greatest guardians gymnastic happiness harmony hear heaven Hephaestus Hesiod Homer honor imagine imitation individual justice and injustice kind knowledge Lachesis live look lover manner matter mean mind nature never oligarchical opinion opposite pain passion persons philosopher Piraeus pleasure poets Polemarchus praise principle proceed qualities question reason receive replied rhythm ridiculous ring of Gyges rule rulers sight Simonides Socrates sort soul speaking spirit suppose surely tell temperance things Thrasymachus timocracy tion true truly truth tyrant understand unjust virtue wealth whole wisdom wise women words youth Zeus