Plato's The Republic is a foundational work of Western philosophy that explores the nature of justice, the ideal structure of society, and the role of the philosopher in public life. Through rich, dialogic exchanges—most notably between Socrates and his interlocutors—Plato constructs a vision of a just city-state governed by wisdom, courage, and reason. This edition features the complete and unabridged translation by Benjamin Jowett, renowned for its clarity and scholarly precision, making it an essential volume for students, thinkers, and lovers of classical literature.
About the Author
Plato (c. 429–347 B.C.) was a pivotal figure in ancient Greek philosophy. A student of Socrates and teacher to Aristotle, Plato founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. His dialogues have profoundly influenced Western thought, exploring topics from ethics and politics to metaphysics and epistemology.
Benjamin Jowett** (1817–1893) was a renowned British classical scholar and theologian. Serving as Master of Balliol College, Oxford, he was instrumental in making classical Greek philosophy accessible to English-speaking audiences. His translations of Plato's works, including The Republic, are celebrated for their clarity and scholarly rigor.