Philosopher-Kings: The Argument of Plato's Republic

by C.D.C. Reeve

The distinctive aim of Philosopher-Kings is to show, by giving a rational reconstruction of its overall argument, that the Republic is not the flawed patchwork it is usually made out to be by interpreters, but a deeply consistent and systematic work, which raises fundamental problems for philosophy and develops powerful and probing solutions to them. The book's central innovative thesis is that Plato's psychology, more specifically his theory of desires, holds the key to this, his most ambitious work. "Although the Republic has come to seem frazzled from too much use in introductory courses, in Reeve's hands it is new and refreshing".--Paul Woodruff, Ancient Philosophy "Although the philosopher-kings of Reeve's title are central to the argument of this handsomely produced book, it is in reality nothing less than a complete reinterpretation of the Republic. . . . [Reeve], if I understand him correctly, has the temerity to work on the principle that Plato was a philosopher of genius, and

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

C. D. C. Reeve is a philosophy professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He works primarily in Ancient Greek philosophy, especially Plato and Aristotle. He is also interested in philosophy generally, and has published work in the philosophy of sex and love, and on film. He has also translated many Ancient Greek texts, mostly by Plato and Aristotle.

Reviews

[Alexander]

This is a very powerful defense of the dialogue's coherence. Some of Reeve's claims are quite unorthodox, but his arguments for them generally strike me as compelling. Ultimately, only further engagement with the primary text will enable me to decide, and it's that toward which the book impels me.