Plato's Republic


This book has been written in a first-person style; Socrates is the narrator, and refers to himself as 'I' throughout. The edition I have does not mark who is speaking in any way, so for many of the scenes I found myself somewhat puzzled by unannounced changes of auditor. Below, you shall find what few sections I have read and reviewed. As these reviews were not written for public consumption, I warn you that some (perhaps most) of the information that they purport to supply is patently false, and should not be believed. If you are going to use this information to fabricate schoolwork, be warned(!), as there are secret messages concealed in it that your teacher will surely find if you copy more than two or three words in a row! I am not responsible for what happens to you afterwards.


  1. Book One
  2. Book Two
  3. Book Three


Book One

This book begins with the departure of Socrates from his humble abode. He is travelling to see a festival in honor of (a local goddess?), as he has not seen it before. En route, he is intercepted by an acquaintence, Polemarchus, who invites Socrates to visit him at his house, where he is entertaining other guests. After arriving, he is swept up in a long conversation. One of those present, Cephalus, the father of Polemarchus, discusses his wealth, and points out that the presence of much money can assist a man in old age from succumbing to various temptations. Eventually the talk drifts to the subject of the meaning of Justice. Socrates asks if the definition of justice is sufficient if it is merely "speak[ing] the truth and paying debts", or if it is really something more. Then, offering the example of a friend who isn't in his right mind, he asks if it is the case that it is truly just to return borrowed weapons at their request, or if putting the friend off would be a better action. Then he asks if justice would be better served if, in the same situation, differing only in that the 'friend' is actually your enemy, you returned the articles of value upon request. He continues, with many analogies, to state that justice is "the art which gives good to friends and evil to enemies", and offers that justice could be greatly valued in various situations [which I shall not bore you by quoting].


Zelda Cartoon Remix from zhq


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