Republic (Plato)

Lore & Background

The Republic is generally placed in the middle period of Plato's dialogues, though the distinction of middle from early dialogues is not as clear as that of late dialogues from all others. Ritter, Arnim, and Baron—each adopting separate methodologies—agree that the Republic was well distinguished, along with Parmenides, Phaedrus and Theaetetus. The first book of the Republic, which shares many features with earlier dialogues, is thought to have originally been written as a separate work, with the remaining books being conjoined to it, perhaps with modifications to the original of the first book.

Reader's Guide

In the dialogue, Socrates discusses with various Athenians and foreigners the meaning of justice and whether the just man is happier than the unjust man. He considers the natures of existing regimes and then proposes a series of hypothetical cities in comparison, culminating in Kallipolis, a utopian city-state ruled by a class of philosopher-kings. They also discuss ageing, love, theory of forms, the immortality of the soul, and the role of the philosopher and of poetry in society. The dialogue's setting seems to be the time of the Peloponnesian War. The work has been intellectually and historically influential, shaping subsequent philosophy and political theory.

Did You Know?

• The first book of the Republic is thought to have originally been written as a separate work.
• The dialogue includes the story of Gyges, who uses a ring of invisibility to commit injustices.
• Socrates proposes a 'noble lie' (gennaion pseudos) involving a myth of metals to justify social roles.
• The just city, Kallipolis, embodies the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.