ABSTRACT
In Plato’s Republic there is latent tension between man as a contemplative being and as a member of society. In the late dialogues this is made fully explicit. The Parmenides, Theaetetus and Sophist deal with the foundation of metaphysics and epistemology and are addressed to theoretical man. The continuation of the Sophist, the Statesman, attempts to translate theoretical philosophy to practical philosophy, a theory of state. Nevertheless, the contrast between the statesman and the philosopher persists.
