Plato: 'The Republic'

by Plato, G. R. F. Ferrari (Editor), Tom Griffith (Translator)

Overview

First published in 2000, this translation of one of the great works of Western political thought is based on the assumption that when Plato chose the dialogue form for his writing, he intended these dialogues to sound like conversations - although conversations of a philosophical sort. In addition to a vivid, dignified and accurate rendition of Plato's text, the student and general reader will find many aids to comprehension in this volume: an introduction that assesses the cultural background to the Republic, its place within political philosophy, and its general argument; succinct notes in the body of the text; an analytical summary of the work's content; a full glossary of proper names; a chronology of important events; and a guide to further reading. The result is an accomplished and accessible edition of this seminal work, suitable for philosophers and classicists as well as historians of political thought at all levels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781316141618
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/25/2000
Series:	Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	886 KB

About the Author

Plato, one of the most famous philosophers in the world, lived during the Classical Period in Ancient Greece. A student of Socrates and a teacher to Aristotle, he was the founder of The Academy, the first school of higher learning in Europe. Plato is the most prominent figure in the history of Ancient Greek philosophy and the originator of the Platonist school of thought. Using dramatic elements like dialogue and humor, his form of writing was considered innovative in his time. Plato's best–known work, The Republic, is widely acknowledged as the cornerstone of Western philosophy. His other extensively read works include The Symposium, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and The Laws.

Table of Contents

Introduction: the thirty; Faction; A Spartan utopia?; The philosopher and the king; A political work?; City and soul; Mathematics and metaphysics; A guide to further reading; Principal dates; Abbreviations and conventions; Editor's synopsis of The Republic; The Republic: Book 1; Book 2; Book 3; Book 4; Book 5; Book 6; Book 7; Book 8; Book 9; Book 10.

Editorial Reviews

"[Griffith's] aim was to traslate the Greek text as if it were a conversation, and he has succeeded admirably." Library Journal

"In addition to a vivid, dignified and accurate rendition of Plato's text, the student and general reader will find many aids to comprehension in this volume: an introduction that assesses the cultural background to the Republic, its place within political philosophy, and its general argument; succinct notes in the body of the text; an analytical summary of the work's content; a full glossary of proper names; a chronology of important events; and a guide to further reading. The result is an accomplished and accessible edition of this seminal work, suitable for philosophers and classicists as well as historians of political thought at all levels." African Sun Times Review of Books

From the Publisher