Publications List:
THE GROWING MIND |
Plato's Republic 1 & 2
Plato's Republic 1 & 2
Book One presents a discussion of the nature of justice by Socrates, the aging Cephalus, his son Polemarchus, and the sophist Thrasymachus. In Book Two, Plato's brothers challenge Socrates to convince them that a just life is preferable to an unjust life with power, fame, and riches. They imagine different ways of creating the best possible human life. First they consider a republic based on health and simplicity, then one based on wealth and luxury. Their analysis of economic and political reality introduces the division of labor, the origin of war, a common currency, and basic principles for educating the young. The goal of this quest is to reveal the foundations of justice and injustice and evaluate their merits.
Audio Samples:
Quote:
"You are so far off in your ideas about justice and injustice, Socrates, you don't even know that justice really serves the interest of the ruler, the one who is stronger, at the expense of the weaker. Justice is for those who are simpleminded."