'The all-controlling agent in human affairs is God, assisted by the secondary inflences of "chance" and "opportunity"'. —Plato
Plato's The Laws is his final, most detailed exploration of the nature of government, law, and justice, offering a pragmatic vision of how a society can be structured to ensure both order and moral development. Unlike his earlier work, The Republic, which imagined an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings, The Laws turns toward a more practical solution: governance through the rule of law. In this wide-ranging dialogue, Plato addresses education, crime, punishment, and religion, weaving a complex framework that seeks to balance human imperfection with the need for order and virtue.
Trevor J. Saunders’ translation captures the depth and precision of Plato’s arguments, while an insightful preface by R.F. Stalley provides the modern reader with crucial context and interpretation. This edition is essential reading for those who seek to understand the foundations of Western legal and political philosophy.
About the Author
Plato, one of the greatest philosophers of antiquity, profoundly shaped Western thought with his dialogues that explored subjects ranging from ethics to epistemology and political theory. His later works, such as The Laws, reflect his mature thinking about the challenges of governance and human society.
Trevor J. Saunders was a highly respected scholar of ancient Greek philosophy, particularly known for his work on Plato and Aristotle. His translations are renowned for their clarity and scholarly precision.
The preface, written by R.F. Stalley, an esteemed philosopher and classicist, provides readers with critical insights that illuminate Plato’s ideas in contemporary terms.
