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The Republic by Plato, written around 380 BCE, is one of the foundational works of Western philosophy. Set against the historical and political background of ancient Athens, the dialogue is a Socratic exploration of justice, the nature of the soul, and the ideal state.
- Why It Pays to Be Just
One of Plato’s objectives in The Republic was to show that...
- Justice as The Advantage of The Stronger
Plato meant to combat this attitude in The Republic....
- The Principle of Specialization
Plato believes that this is the only way to ensure that each...
- Suggestions for Further Reading
A suggested list of literary criticism on Plato's The...
- Book II
A summary of Book 2: Parts 1 & 2 in Plato's The...
- Book VIII
A summary of Book 8 in Plato's The Republic. Learn...
- Why It Pays to Be Just
In The Republic, the existence of Forms is not a conclusion we must reach but a premise we must start from. Plato never defines the Form of the Good, calling it instead an “unhypothetical first principle.” A “first principle” is the place at which a chain of reasoning begins.
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In The Republic, Plato, speaking through his teacher Socrates, sets out to answer two questions: What is justice? and Why should we be just? Book 1 sets up these challenges. The interlocutors engage in a Socratic dialogue similar to that found in Plato’s earlier works.
The Republic, one of the most important dialogues of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, renowned for its detailed expositions of political and ethical justice and its account of the organization of the ideal state (or city-state)—hence the traditional title of the work.
Throughout the Republic, Plato emphasizes the importance of philosophy and education in preventing the emergence of tyranny. He argues that a well-rounded education that instills values such as wisdom, virtue and self-control is essential for producing virtuous individuals and just societies.
Dive deep into Plato's Plato's Republic with extended analysis, commentary, and discussion.
