ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the connection of the main themes of Plato’s thought to the idea of civil society. The chapter begins with a discussion of the relationship between knowledge and politics, including the contrast between well-reasoned arguments and fear-based emotional appeals. A discussion of Plato’s Laws demonstrates key themes in Plato’s political thought, where it is found that the philosopher king of the Republic, who rules on behalf of instituting an ideal form of a just society, contrasts the politics we find in The Laws. Here, the political leader is oriented to finding ways to resolve differences among competing political views to achieve a good approximation to a just society. The chapter concludes that this approach is more concerned with civil society, looking for a basis for common life among diverse points of view.
