Republic

The ideas of Plato (c429-347BC) have influenced Western philosophers for over two thousand years. Such is his importance that the twentieth-century philosopher A.N. Whitehead described all subsequent developments within the subject as foot-notes to Plato's work. Beyond philosophy, he has exerted a major influence on the development of Western literature, politics and theology.

'The Republic' deals with the great range of Plato's thought, but is particularly concerned with what makes a well-balanced society and individual. It combines argument and myth to advocate a life organised by reason rather than dominated by desires and appetites. Regarded by some as the foundation document of totalitarianism, by others as a call to develop the full potential of humanity, the Republic remains a challenging and intensely exciting work.

Translated by John Llewelyn Davies and David James Vaughan. With an Introduction by Stephen Watt.

About the Author

Plato (c. 428 B.C.-348 B.C.?) stands at the centre of philosophical thought in the ancient world, being the first person to approach philosophical issues systematically. Virtually every philosopher who came after Plato in antiquity was responding, either favorably or unfavorably, to what he had written. Plato's thought was studied throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and holds a significant position in the history of Western philosophy.