5.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. – Customer review on 06/11/2011

After comparing prices and quality of different editions of The Republic, I have just ordered this edition (D.T). So definitely I will recommend this edition to others too!!

5.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. – Customer review on 15/04/2009

As always, Socrates wisdom makes for an exultation of reason. However, i do believe his conception of forms and the realization of reincarnation is somewhat too idealistic.

This idea permates throughout his entire dialectic; always quick to give absolute answer to questions which are more than precarious and often uncertain. And with regard to this desire for universal truth, many of his arguments appear as mere definition and semantic rather that synthetic propositions that may be construed either way. For instance, "does a horse possess the qualities pertaining to horsehood or to doghood" Even if such statements automatically disallow contrary thought,however, they at the very least anything make for a deluge of hilarity.

This piece of work is somewhat distinct from his other parts of philosophy in that it is eclectic enough to include tales that interweave between the argument so as to create mosaic of both story and logic; a winning combination for attracting the classical student for whom philosophy and history are studied and revered simultaneously.

In the end, though i fail to see the utility and practicality of many of the methodologies expressed within the text (including the communal child bearing; is this based on generation or age, problems arise either away within the mind of the astute), it an excellednt example of dialectic as expressed by perhaps it most famous votary.

4.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. – Customer review on 03/06/2007

I have read some extracts before for politics so I can allready tell you a little.

Platos republic is a piece of political theory where Plato sets up what he sees as an 'ideal state' (in the sense of a political institution). This state actually seems rather stupid by todays standards. Things like the rulers (the guardians) having no private property, communal family responsibilites, well the abolition of family actually but the communal raising of the young.Its a meritocracy actually.

definition of meritocracy I pulled of the internet

"A social system in which rewards and occupational positions are allocated justly on the basis of merit, rather than ascriptive factors such as class, gender, ethnic group or wealth"

I quite like that idea. Plato describes this with 3 classes : the guardians;whom are the ruling class, auxiliries;below the guardians may possibley be guardians one day and the populace;whom are responsible for supplying the needs of the guardians. He uses the analogy that some are born with gold in there body, some with silver and some with bronze. You can work out for yourself what he means with that I think.

It is good because it is easy to read, well relativley easy. Much easier than say aristotle who is rather boring and dull. The republic is written as if it were a dialouge, this makes it easy and interesting to read. It also serves the purpose of the text quite well as it forces people to think about the issues that a raised. This is because the ideas go through a development process and any flaws can be pointed out by others in the dialouge, if that makes any sense, I think it does.

4.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. – Customer review on 01/01/2007

Plato's Republic is unparalleled in its coverage of all areas of life. While Plato addresses metaphysical issues, he does so with language and analogies that most people can grasp with studious reading. But Plato talks about much more than metaphysics. Marriage, music, war, kings, procreation and more are all topics of discussion for Plato's dialog. In addition to the teachings about life, this book also offers a great introduction to philosophy. The famous "cave story" illustrates not only the purpose of philosophy, but also the inherent difficulties. While this book is absolutely necessary for students of philosophy and religion, I think there are golden truths for all people no matter what they do.

So, why this particular translation of the work? This translation offers the best ease in reading while mainting a tight grasp of the original Greek meanings of Plato's text. Besides, it isn't that expensive.

This book is clearly a timeless classic, and if you can't read classical Greek, this translation is probably the best you will get.