Republic by Plato, C. D. C. Reeve (2005) Hardcover

by Ernest Barker

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Genres: Philosophy, Classics

Hardcover

First published August 22, 2015

About the author

Sir Ernest Barker FBA (1874 - 1960) was an English political scientist who served as Principal of King's College London from 1920 to 1927.

Barker was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Balliol College, Oxford. He was a don at Oxford and spent a brief time at the London School of Economics. He was Principal of King's College London from 1920 to 1927, and subsequently became Professor of Political Science in the University of Cambridge in 1928, being the first holder of the chair endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation. In June 1936 he was elected to serve on the Liberal Party Council. He was knighted in 1944. He was elected a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1958. There is a memorial stone to him in St Botolph's Church, Cambridge.

Reviews

[Madeleine Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being wholly unqualified (even by my inflated ego) to judge the merits of Plato, let me say Reeve's translation was a good one, clear, comprehendible, in some cases colloquially modern, and the introduction generally good too. This is the edition recommended by my classics professor at N. Y. U. and I can see why.

[Frederick Heimbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to check the Plato's Republic box.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

socrates highkey the og ragebaiter

[David Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff, got a lot out of it in class with the translator and Plato scholar

[Caroline Stein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Socrates is a professional yapper who is allergic to coming to conclusions.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plato’s Republic was so interesting. The definitions of justice explored are fascinating, but none claim to be the end-all, be-all. The thought experiment of the city and the allegory of the cave—these famous techniques comes alive and become all the more informative when read within the context of how one should live one’s life, maintain justice within oneself and control over oneself, and understand the three elements (rational, spirited, appetitive) within one. It has been a gift to study this book and others in order to understand the pillars of Platonic philosophy.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there are definitely pearls of great wisdom to be found here, reading the whole text is not necessary. Often times I found that the 'Great Truths' being bestowed by Socrates were even out of context or the counterargument to the points he was actually arguing in the text. I think that reading this as a genuine example of how to organize a government may actually be quite dangerous.

My tea: Unless you are reading the actual greek, keep cherry picking.

[☆ emeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a must read for everyone. super important truths, but im not gonna lie its a slog

[Ben Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best classes I’ve ever taken, spent close reading Republic every week and discussing in class. Amazing book with so much packed into it - loved reading and working through it.

[Idwerd de Graaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could I do otherwise? (good translation!)