Cover of The Republic

The Republic

by Plato

Translated by Benjamin Jowett

Socrates debates the nature of justice, the ideal state, and the philosopher-king. The foundation of Western political philosophy.

"The Republic" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 375 BC. Through conversations between Socrates and various Athenians, the work explores the meaning of justice and whether the just person is happier than the unjust. Socrates examines existing forms of government and proposes an ideal city-state ruled by philosopher-kings. The dialogue ranges across profound questions: the nature of the soul, the role of poetry, love, aging, and the purpose of political power itself.

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