
One of the greatest works of philosophy & political theory ever produced Plato's The Republic has shaped western thought for thousands of years remaining as relevant today as when it was first written in the Ancient Greece This Penguin Classics edition is translated by Desmond lee with a new introduction by Melissa Lane Plato's Republic is widely acknowledged as the cornerstone of Western philosophy Presented in the form of a dialogue between Socrates & three different interlocutors it is an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community & the ideal individual within it During the conversation other questions are raised what is goodness; what is reality; what is knowledge? The Republic also addresses the purpose of education & the role of both women & men as 'guardians' of the people With remarkable lucidity & deft use of allegory Plato arrives at a depiction of a state bound by harmony & ruled by 'philosopher kings' Desmond Lee's translation of The Republic has come to be regarded as a classic in its own right His introduction discusses contextual themes such as Plato's disillusionment with Athenian politics & the trial of Socrates The new introduction by Melissa Lane discusses Plato's aims in writing The Republic its major arguments & its perspective on politics in ancient Greece & its significance through the ages & today Plato (c 427-347 BC) stands with Socrates & Aristotle as one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West He founded in Athens the Academy the first permanent institution devoted to philosophical research & teaching & the prototype of all Western universities If you enjoyed The Republic you might like Machiavelli's The Prince also available in Penguin Classics