The Republic
Book Author Plato
DescriptionThe Republic, by Plato, is a Socratic dialogue written sometime around 380 BCE concerning the definition of justice and the order and character of the just city and the just man. Plato’s best-known work, it proved one of the most intellectually and historically influential works of philosophy and political theory. In it, Socrates along with various Athenians and foreigners discuss the meaning of justice and examine whether or not the just man is happier than the unjust man by proposing a city ruled by philosopher-kings. The participants also discusse the theory of forms, the immortality of the soul, and the roles of the philosopher and of poetry in society.