ABSTRACT
A salient influence in Plato's life was that he experienced a series of political crises. To analyze Plato's legal philosophy adequately, one must consider the questions which engaged his most imaginative efforts and ask why he pursued his inquiries into the airy realms of metaphysics and whether other philosophers have provided sounder answers. The central thesis of his philosophy of law is expressed m the Republic and Laws, or, more precisely, in the interrelations of these great dialogues which, together, comprise the greater part of his published works. The practical objective of Laws—to provide a code of laws for a planned colony—is announced at the outset. The Ought of law, understood in terms of criticism of law, implies the possibility of fuller realization of the accepted ends, or that better goals can and should be sought. Criticism in terms of Ought sets against the accepted goals, other, better goals, and against present efforts, greater ones.
