Republic 1

by Plato, D.J. Allan (Editor)

What is the true nature of dikaiosyne (justice)? In the dialogue that forms Book I of The Republic Socrates meets the arguments first of Polemarchus, that justice means speaking the truth and paying one's dues in the broadest sense; then of Thrasymachus, that it is nothing more than the power which the strong exercise over the weaker members of society. In reality, Book I concludes, justice, self-control (sophrosyne), and virtue (arete) are 'natural'; the city which displays them is most truly free; the individuals who possess them will achieve their true destiny.

Genres: Philosophy, Classics, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Plato (Greek: Πλάτων), born Aristocles (c. 427 – 348 BC), was an ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period who is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy, and was the founder of the Platonic Academy, a philosophical school in Athens where Plato taught the doctrines that would later become known as Platonism.
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."

Reviews

[miss q · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because its second part was mentioned in a novel I am currently devouring; Donna Tartt's The Secret History...
Highly theoretical but I actually enjoyed it.

[em]

I basically bought it and realized that I don’t want to really learn about western republic, but I read it anyway and I quit about halfway through. It was a little interesting but the words were very outdated and the concept wasn’t really captivating

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me cayó bien, FUE DE LO PRIMERO QUE LEÍ EN LA FACU, medio extenso pero la PARTE EN QUE DICE QUE LOS SOLDADOS SE DEBEN BESAR ENTRE TODOS AL GANAR UNA BATALLA NANANA 10/10 PLATÓN GAY ICON

[Javier. R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al final se trata más de un diálogo acerca de una suerte de sociedad y su constitución ideales, antes que una reflexión acerca de las distintas formas de gobierno, tratada de una forma más superficial.
La "magia" de la obra radica en que no sólo habla de política, también con los fundamentos gnoseológicos de la filosofía platónica.

[Henry Grimes · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrative of this book was the worst I’ve ever heard in an audiobook. Every word, although spoken correctly, was choppy and uneven inasmuch as it made me seasick. I couldn’t get past the first 15 minutes.

[Sajid · Rating 1 out of 5]

How to read this book please my body give me suggestion

[Clara Troltenier (Support Modest Behaviour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read for Introduction to Public Thought.

[Zine Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This version is clearly from a middle ages edits. Not an enjoyable read but it is finished. I can now not be ashamed to have it on my shelf.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was okay I guess I'm glad I read it (kind of)

[Lector45 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me siento muy pequeño e insignificante para poner una nota al gigante de la filosofía universal.

[Robert K.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buen punto de partida para un buen criterio que conecte un compas moral con la naturaleza de un gobierno. Una idea muy utópica pero completa.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

les livres de philo 😐😐

[memi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
me gustó, entendí todo, amo estudiar derecho

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading this book as part of Britannica's Great Conversation list of books. Plato's Republic, Book 1 is the 5th book on the list.

Oddly, I hears small phrases that I have heard in modern speeches as if they were proverbs. Apparently they came from Plato's Republic. That is good to know and it is probably why this book is recommended.

The next book on the list is Plato's Republic, Book 2.