ABSTRACT

Plato, often cited as a founding father of Western philosophy, set out ideas in the Republic regarding the nature of justice, order, and the character of the just individual, that endure into the modern day. The Routledge Guidebook to Plato’s Republic introduces the major themes in Plato’s great book and acts as a companion for reading the work, examining:

  • The context of Plato’s work and the background to his writing
  • Each separate part of the text in relation to its goals, meanings and impact
  • The reception the book received when first seen by the world
  • The relevance of Plato’s work to modern philosophy, its legacy and influence.

With further reading included throughout, this text follows Plato’s original work closely, making it essential reading for all students of philosophy, and all those wishing to get to grips with this classic work.

part I|43 pages

General Introduction

chapter 1|41 pages

Plato and the Republic

part II|175 pages

The Argument of the Republic

chapter 2|12 pages

What is Justice? (Book 1)

chapter 3|20 pages

What Good is Justice? (Books 1–2)

chapter 4|27 pages

Justice in the City (Books 2–4)

chapter 5|21 pages

Justice in the Soul (Book 4)

chapter 6|27 pages

Radical Politics (Books 5–7)

chapter 7|32 pages

Metaphysics and Epistemology (Books 5–7)

chapter 9|17 pages

Art and Immortality (Book 10)

part III|74 pages

General Issues

chapter 10|17 pages

Plato's Ethics and Politics

chapter 11|8 pages

Plato's Metaphysics and Epistemology

chapter 12|16 pages

Plato's Abuses and uses of Poetry

chapter 13|31 pages

The Afterlife of the Republic