The Blackwell Guide to Plato's Republic consists of thirteen new essays written by both established scholars and younger researchers with the specific aim of helping readers to understand Plato's masterwork.

This guide to Plato's Republic is designed to help readers understand this foundational work of the Western canon.

Sheds new light on many central features and themes of the Republic.

Covers the literary and philosophical style of the Republic; Plato's theories of justice and knowledge; his educational theories; and his treatment of the divine.

Will be of interest to readers who are new to the Republic, and those who already have some familiarity with the book.

Notes on Contributors

Editor's Introduction

1. The Literary and Philosophical Style of The Republic: Christopher Rowe (University of Durham)

2. Allegory and Myth in Plato's Republic: Jonathan Lear (The University of Chicago)

3. Socrates' Refutation of Thrasymachus: Rachel Barney (University of Toronto)

4. Plato's Challenge: the Case Against Justice in Republic II: Christopher Shields (Oxford University)

5. The Gods and Piety of Plato's Republic: Mark L. McPherran (University of Maine)

6. Plato on Learning to Love Beauty: Gabriel Richardson Lear (The University of Chicago)

7. Methods of Reasoning About Justice in Plato's Republic: Gerasimos Santas (University of California, Irvine)

8. The Analysis of the Soul in Plato's Republic: Hendrik Lorenz (Princeton University)

9. The Divided Soul and Desire for the Good in Plato's Republic: Mariana Anagnostopoulos (California State University)

10. Plato and the Ship of State: David Keyt (University of Washington)

11. Knowledge, Recollection and the Forms in Republic VII: Michael T. Ferejohn (Duke University)

12. Plato's Theory of Forms in the Republic: Terrence Penner (University of Edinburgh)

13. Plato's Defense of Justice: Rachel G. K. Singpurwalla (Southern Illinois University)

Bibliography

Index