The Republic

a cornerstone of western philosophy

do not be fooled! this book was (and still is) ages ahead of its time. there is no merely 'suspecting' that you understand this book. when you 'get it' you will 'know.' try to find an accurate translation and not one which is 'more culturally relevant today' - the idea that the Republic can be made 'culturally relevant' is all the more ridiculous considering that its implications are virtually eternal (and were meant to be). Socrates asks a lot of simple but very penetrating questions. a common and fatal error in contemporary Platonic scholarship (but even in the past) is the answering of each question (quickly) singly and missing the big picture. regardless of the historical existence of the philosophical Socrates or the historical occurence of the dialogues in the Republic, the account Plato has recorded for us in his book is among the most exact analyses of the human condition ever committed to paper. the vocabulary is not difficult, but some of the concepts will require close attention. it's better to read this book when you have some time to commit.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Life changing

I read this book thinking I needed to brush up on my philosophical and political history. What ended up taking place was a mind sweeping revelation that penetrated my soul. I am 26 years old and at a point in life where I seem to have many regrets, and am not certain about who I am, or where I'm going. This book penetrates the very heart of these issues and, if you allow it, can open your mind to real purpose. Oh, it has some nice government pointers too. :-) Other notes: This translation is wonderful, very easy to follow syntactically. Interesting footnotes are not overly abrasive. Just read it. There's a message in this book for everyone.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A well written and thought provoking book

In 'The Republic', Plato attempts to outline an ideal society based on justice. The governemnt he suggests, however, is merely the backdrop for answering vital questions about human nature. Plato tries to define justice as well as philosophers, and argues that the just man is happier tha the unjust man. I highly recommend this book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Decent Translation

While the Republic is a great book to read, this translation tends to get confusing at times. I would not reccomend it for first year students or casual readers. Other translations, such as the Bloom translation, are written in a more intelligible style.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Re-Public Rules!

The whole idea, the vast concepts of a public before publicity existed, the interpretation of preparing a public to function in its 're' status, and allowing women to vote... this is a must read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

THE OK BOOK

I think the book it's ok, but i do suggest to read because it tells about all the governments and the one he thinks its the best. But I think the most important is that it makes you think and makes you analyzed about things about today and about your life its you opinion if u dont like it but i think you just didn't put too much attention or really dont like books at all.

1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Needful reading

This book is both boring and tedious to read. However, Plato's Republic is essential for all historians and political scientists. In the Republic, Plato exlpains the effective use of the NOBLE LIE. The Republic is not a book to create a government from, but a book to explain government.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Trash!!!!!!!!!!

This just junk.. impossible to read. Dumbass..

T

T

what is wrong with the typeset?

free versions elsewhere are better

Annoying format

There is no proper table of contents so you have to manually page through tons of pages before arriving at the appropriate place.

Didnt+work

This+version+did+not+work+on+my+nook

Could not Read

I couldn't read this version.

Good, but perhaps spend a bit more on a better version

The book itself is good and this particular version is competitively priced, but just be aware that if you're buying this for a class, it has no becker numbers in the margins which make it a pain in the butt when the whole class isn't using the same book.

An excellent take on human society that's still relevant today

While the language is 'heavy', and the interpretative essay does not hold you hand in exploring my significant ideas in rapid succession, it is a great work to explore and to understand.

A Must Read

I really enjoyed this book to the fullest. I have read The Republic by other translators and i must admit that Allan Blooms translation of The Republic is by far better than this one. However, the content of the book is great.

Much about nothing

I don't know if it was the book or just Jowett's translation, but this thing was a chore to read. Only a few sentences made anything click in my head that was worth the while to think about. Yes, this book is a foundation for a lot of other works, but not very interesting in itself. Instead of reading it, just ask questions to yourself and use your own brain.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good Luck.

First Off, Plato is the Greek Moses. To all us Goyim, or heathens, (i.e.) anything other then Jew:) This be our prophet. Some body on this short list said, '..this book is thought provoking', O.K. .... This whole book is THOUGHT provoking. The Whole Book is about thought or IDEAS!!! That other guy who said 'every university sudent should read'; That quote applies to you. For those who never read anything about Plato, or know nothing, about his Philosophy, or what Philosophy means. This is where it starts. This is where you awake, and see a brief flicker of light. What I mean is, your present conceptions or Justice, or the Good, will be shattered. If I am stronger then my brother, I can rule over him, and that is right and just! wrong. It is good to be rich so that I may bang every women that still breathes air. wrong. and much more. Much, much more awaits you in this book:)

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

interesting intelligent though some how lacking

I would begin by saying that it is a very original idea (though considering it was written thousands of years ago) the idea of two people arguing of how to make the government. He truly had intelligent ideas of how a government should run the only problem with the series is that there should not be a government at all, therefore making the entire book pointless. But overall good read.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Read it

It is definetly a book worth reading. I do not imagine I will read it again but I do not feel my time was wasted reading it and I would reccomend it to be read.