The Republic

by Plato Narrated by James Harrington

Overview

The Republic by Plato is a philosophical text that addresses the question of justice. In the text, Plato argues that justice is not simply a matter of following the laws of the city, but rather is something that must be based on the ideal state of the city. For Plato, the ideal state is one in which all citizens are able to participate in the ruling of the city.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Robin Waterfield has produced an idiomatic, lively, and thoroughly up-to-date Englishing of Plato's Republic....Waterfield...succeeds beautifully...in making engaging English out of Plato's Greek. For this teachers of Greek philosophy owe him gratitude."—Ancient Philosophy

"Waterfield's translation is certainly the best of the Republic available. It is accurate and informed by deep philosophical understanding of the text; unlike other translations it combines these virtues with an impressive ability to render Plato into English that is as varied and expressive as is Plato's Greek."— Professor Julia Annas, University of Arizona

"Translated in an easy, accessible style, as though these were people, not textbooks speaking. The introduction is lucid and complete."—E.N. Genovese, San Diego State University

"An excellent translation and introduction. The best I have seen."—Tom Christenson, Capital University

P.C. Kemeny

This superior translation has an engaging, constructive tone. For introductory students with little or no historical background with which to appreciate the nuances of Plato's Republic, Tschemplik clearly sets the historical context and identifies the characters.

Vol. 75 Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism

Regarded as Plato's most important work, The Republic has long been studied as a seminal text of the Western literary and philosophical canon. In this group of philosophical dialogues, Plato uses a conversational prose format to explore the nature of society, seeking to define the characteristics of an ideal society, or republic.”

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191003825
Publisher:	Interactive Media
Publication date:	09/18/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

Socrates: I went down yesterday to Piraeus with Glaucon, Ariston’s son, to pray to the goddess, wanting at the same time also to see the way they were going to hold the festival, since they were now conducting it for the first time. The parade of the local residents seemed to me to be beautiful, while the one that the Thracians put on looked no less appropriate. And having prayed and having seen, we went off toward the city. Spotting us from a distance then as we headed home, Polemarchus, Cephalus’s son, ordered his slave to run and order us to wait for him. And grabbing me from behind by my cloak, the slave said “Polemarchus orders you to wait.” And I turned around and asked him where the man himself was. “He’s coming along from behind,” he said. “Just wait.” “Certainly we’ll wait” said Glaucon.

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