I studied this book for A-Level Philosophy at college and loved it. Plato's allegories were so rich and detailed and still very relevant.

We studied Plato alongside Karl Marx and I came to the conclusion that The Republic was Plato's political manifesto to argue that Philosophers are the only people fully equipt to rule the masses.

I came away feeling like Marx was more a Philosopher who wanted to change politics and Plato was a politician who was using philosophy to secure power.

Still a great read!

When reading Plato, the reader at first fascinated by the integrity of his work and then be faced with dictatorial ideas. But this dictatorship does not mean that it leads to a false position in the contemporary world. The desire for utopia for humans is unbelievable from the beginning, Plato knew this truth better than anyone.
This wish should be fulfilled for the world. Both in the imagination of a philosopher and in reality. And still, the world is trying to achieve this vain imagination.

¡Qué mente la de Platón!

Esta edición es un resumen de la famosa República del filósofo griego.

Con sus diez libros, La República nos sumerge en el análisis del hombre, y su comportamiento (justos e injustos); del bien y del mal; de las ciudades y las formas de gobierno; de la importancia de la educación y de seguir la ley.
Platón logra hablar de todo esto a partir de diálogos con variados personajes, especialmente Glaucón, y también a través de la hipótesis de creación de una ciudad perfecta, con todo lo que ello implica: educación, comportamiento y trabajo de sus ciudadanos, forma de gobierno y leyes.
Lo que más me ha gustado es el mito de la caverna, que aparece en el séptimo libro y la historia que cuenta al final sobre la existencia de las almas.

Obviamente este es buen libro, pero considero que se debe encarar con ganas, ya seas fanático de la filosofía o solo estés interesado. Recomendable.

The Republic is where Plato lays down his ideas of an ideal state and its rulers. Plato's Utopian state is one which is just and his ideal rulers are philosophers. Presented as a series of dialogue between Socrates and Plato's brothers Adeimantus and Glaucon, in eleven parts Plato step by step forms his ideal state (Part I and II), its rulers (Part IV and Part VII), their education, women's position (Part VI) and the position of art and poetry (Part X) in the new state. Although some of his views are far fetched and absurd, many of them are thought-provoking. And if you examine carefully, you will see some truth in many of his viewpoints, especially those relating to imperfect societies (discussed in Part IX).

I truly enjoyed Plato's arguments although I cannot say that I agree with them all. There are many insightful views though at the same time, given the long years between the time in which it was written and which it was read, some of the arguments are absurd according to modern standards. Plato's Utopian state is one that cannot be realized in reality; even Plato had his doubts about it ever being in existence. But on close examination of various governments in the world, we see instances where views of Plato have been adopted. Taking all these into account, it is no wonder that The Republic is regarded as the cornerstone of western philosophy.

The translation I read was done by Sir Desmond Lee. I found it easy to read. There were many explanatory notes within that which helped me considerably if not fully to understand the text. Overall, I loved the read and am very happy to say that finally one of my long reading wishes is fulfilled.

I finished the first book of the republic (there are 10 in total). And it was much harder work then the previous dialogues I read and much harder then what I remembered when I read it for the first time, many years ago.

I can only recommend to read it in a translation which provides ample notes. Like the one by Allan Bloom. This translation goes in the meaning of the original words which is important because key words are determined by the context and time when they were written and the original Greek words have some extra connotations.
The Republic of Plato

Furthermore consider using the guide: Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Plato and the Republic. This one is great because it gives a chapter by chapter explanation. So it is ideal for reconsidering the chapter after the lecture and is also better retained.

Most companion provide general explanations about the themes pertaining to the book. This can be interesting additionally but less essential then the guide I mentioned above. An example of such a theme companion is The Cambridge Companion to Plato's Republic

Plato's Republic (c. 375 BCE) is a Socratic dialogue in which Socrates with his interlocutors devise a conceptually ideal State. Socrates is our protagonist who is leading the discussion and is clearly dissatisfied with his government and State's structure and its system of values and justice.

Plato describes an ideal State as one that encourages gender equality, education for all, meritocracy, and is ruled by no other than a philosopher-king. Nevertheless, Plato envisions a Republic that practices eugenics and enforces censorship on unsuitable writings and poems. A State in which the government is entitled to manipulate and deceive the public for the benefit of the State.

Plato describes the four forms of government and their characteristics and how one evolves from the other. Timocracy will end up transforming into an oligarchy, and oligarchy to the best available form of government, democracy. Although, excessive freedom in a democratic state will lead to tyranny. Plato bases and links the various State systems to the character of its people.

But the book has so much more to offer than dialogues on the various types of organized political States and governments.

Plato goes on to define a true philosopher as the one who yearns for knowledge of that which is eternal and unchanging and is not disturbed by things that come to be and decay. A philosopher contemplates the essence of a thing in search of a true understanding as this is the only way to enhance and elevate the soul towards the supreme good. He sees the dialectical method of reasoning as the most effective way to arrive at a truth, while knowledge attained by pure reasoning and logic is superior to the knowledge obtained by sense perception or experiences. Plato perceives the knowledge obtained by our five senses as just copies of the ideal form that only exists and is comprehensible by our intellect. But in order to attain this knowledge, one must first comprehend the abstract science of numbers, arithmetic, and geometry.

Reasoning is presented as the principal human cognitive power, followed by the process of discursive thinking, faith, and our ability to distinguish perceived images from reality. Similarly, our immortal soul's most elevated component is reason, as well, while the urges for honor and sensual pleasures are its lowest parts.

I read the book in my native Montenegrin language and I look forward to a reread in an English translation.

و أفتخر أنّني حاورت أفلاطون أسبوعاً كاملاً !

A man, tired from a long day of drudgery at work, walks towards his favourite haunt, an old-fashioned British working class pub in Essex called 'The Griffon'. Drenched from a heavy fall of rain, he enters the building and is greeted by its familiar smells and sounds.

Man: “Evening, all.” (The patrons demurely acknowledge his presence, and return to their drinks. The face of Roger, a much older man, lights up as he joyously steps towards the newcomer)

Roger: “Nate, ye bastard! Where have ye been all this time? Stuck in a sheep’s backside?”(he guffaws, while shaking his friend's hand)

Nate [smiling feebly]: “Evening, Roger. Oh no, nothing as queer like that. Had some family business to attend to. I also have been busy reading, as a matter of fact..”

Roger: “Reading? You?”

Nate [feeling slight shame]: “Yes..”

Roger:“Didn’t peg you as the intellectual type, mate.”

Nate: “Oh, I am not, I can assure you. Let me explain. You know about that particularly nasty storm a forthnight ago?"

Roger:"Aye, the Great Storm of 2017. Already a legend in these parts."

Nate:"Well, I got myself caught in the open street during its peak, and sought shelter in the nearest building. Turned out it was the bloody library! Quite a shock, let me tell you."

Roger: “Really? I didn’t even know we had one! Didn’t Thatcher close it down back in the eighties? What the hell else did we elect her for?”(he falls prey to a violent fit of laughter, and is soon joined by the others)

(Nate waits until the noise dies down and soberly resumes his tale) "All right, men, in all seriousness now. So here I found myself in that building I had never been in before, and which I couldn’t wait to leave. But, since the storm didn’t show any sign of abating, I thought it best to stay put and kill some time browsing. What else’s a man to do, eh? Well, for some reason I ended up in the philosophy section, and found this book titled the Republic by this fella named Plato. Does that ring a bell with anyone?”

(A stout little man named Edmund enters the conversation) “Plato? Famous bloke, innit?”

Nate: “Yes, rather. In it he sort of details how society should be run by so-called philosopher kings. Rather strict in his way of approaching it, methinks. Not a lot of freedom, or much fun at all really.”

Roger: “Hmm. Got you to keep flippin' the pages though, no?”

Nate: “Pretty much. The missus always said I was a right philistine, and should get some more culture in my system. The back cover did mention it was ‘a foundational text of Western civilisation’, so I figured I might bloody well start there. I read for an hour or so, and then took it home. First time I applied for a library card, funnily enough. Finished the whole thing in two weeks. I felt real smart for an instance there. A fine feat of self-improvement, if I do say so myself.”

(A fierce looking, burly man who goes by the name of Carlyle interrupts): “A philosopher, eh? Bah! Let me tell you something, lad. Buy these fine gentlemen (he intently looks around the room) enough pints of lager and they’ll all be “philosophizin’” soon enough. Isn’t that right, men?” (the whole room shakes with laughter)

Nate [uneasy]:“Well, Plato sort of advocated that philosophy is a serious business, to be handled with a clear, well-educated mind, you know. Among other things, he also viewed alcohol as a possible hindrance to that. So that’s us out, I’m afraid.”

Roger [jumping in]: “He did, did he? Well, I am a working man with a wife and the fruit of my overactive loins to provide for. After eight hours of breaking my back in the factory, I just want to go to me pub, unwind and drink my scotch. Anything other than that is a damned luxury. Ya see my meaning here?”

Nate: [exasperatedly sighs]“I do, and you’re probably right. More than likely, reading these things is a waste of time anyway for folk like us.”

Roger: [approvingly] “That’s the spirit, laddie! Don’t concern yourself with these things, it is quite useless. We are simple folk, ye know, who don’t count at all in the grand scheme of things. Trust me, I have seen it all. Best enjoy what we have and hope for the best. Leave that lofty thinkin’ to those smug arseholes in their lofty places. I wouldn’t have it any other way meself. Damn proud to be a nobody at the bottom. At least there is honour in that. (He pauzes for a moment, immersed in thought)

Bah, enough of this. Barman, a round of drinks for all!”

(They all erupt into loud shouts of appreciation)

4.0 stars. I read this book back in college (20+ years ago) so I have put this on my list of books to re-read in the not too distant future. This is one of those books that I believe everyone should read as it is one of those foundational books on which Western civilization is based.

There is in every one of us, even those who seem to be most moderate, a type of desire that is terrible, wild, and lawless.

So, it should be noted that I did not find this book at a bookstore and voluntarily buy it for my leisurely reading... It was on the syllabus for my political theory class. That being said, I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.

Would I recommend it for a vacation? Absolutely not. Unless you like pondering about justice and censorship and the creations of rulers and cities... it's pretty dense material, but most of the fun in reading a book like this being able to discuss, debate and analyze the ideas and arguments Plato puts forth with a group of people. Maybe if I tried to read it by myself, I'd get bored or uninspired. But our class discussions (and syllabus) really kept me engrossed in the subject matter.

I guess I'd recommend this book to a philosophy book club, if those exist.

I was surfing Netflix the other night, and decided on watching something that'll make me laugh. I came across John Wick with Keanu Reaves. And then I remembered he made Bill and Ted, so I watched that instead. And one of the historical figures Bill and Ted grabbed from history was Socrates, the Greek philosopher. I remember reading The Republic by Plato back when I was a student in the university. It was very interesting considering the different political regimes (tyranny, democracy...). It helped to understand how a regime was fair or not. Not only did I find it intellectually stimulating (which I prized more than anything else), it also opened my eyes to the realm of philosophy and I've been hooked ever since.

I learned about Socrates through the words of Plato, about an exemplar thinker and teacher, and about the importance of applying clear thought to problems, and to resist oppression regardless of the cost. Some of it was difficult to read (thinking about it now, make that a lot was difficult to read), but the dialogues could be very lively. It painted portraits of different characters arguing over heartfelt positions, and slow-minded aggression constantly deflected with quick-minded wit. It argued for roles and institutions of governance that protected the weak from tyranny and might. In that sense it was a very universal story with Socrates as a (somewhat) traditional Hero. It is a dialog in which Socrates outlined his vision of an ideal society. Since western civilization's roots stem from ancient Greece, the writings of great thinkers like Plato and another one, Aristotle, are invaluable insights for anyone who is curious why the world exists at it does today.

In terms of The Republic's story, I have to say that there wasn't much of a narrative. Although it was written in the form of a dialogue, somewhat like a play. It is more of a philosophical text than a story, but there are certainly narrative elements. For example, Plato's famous metaphor of the cave involved the progression of a hypothetical character, but was not meant to be dramatically compelling. Rather it was to illustrate Plato's point. The Republic isn't so much a story as it is a dialog. Imagine being in a room with a handful of brilliant people. What would the conversation sound like? That's what The Republic is. Socrates was the leading thinker who had a vision of an ideal society, and his friends asked loaded questions for clarity.

Look at all the problems in the world today and you can see that very few are genuinely "new." Things like poverty, corruption, crime, environmental destruction, and general malaise date back thousands of years. In this book, Plato offered his thoughts, along with a good many philosophical thought experiments, which in turn stimulated your own thinking. He certainly don't have all the answers, but he painted a wondrously bizarre picture in the process of getting to his conclusions. And best of all, his arguments and reasoning beg you to think them through and figure out where he went astray so you can come up with your own ideas.

In addition, the book's legacy is enormous, virtually every paradigm devised since its writing has been influenced by it. Ideas about what a State can and shouldn't be allowed to do, how to educate the people, how culture is preserved and passed on, how culture and politics influenced the individual's character and motivations, whether "might is right" (i.e. survival of the fittest) applied to people and whether it ought to, etc. can be found in this book. To learn and understand more about the world today, I find it extremely useful to look back at books I read like classics such as The Republic and discover where today's ideas came from.

Looking back I really liked Plato's writing. In The Republic he started off with a group of friends just sitting around waiting for a festival to start and their conversation just picked up and carried them away. The bulk of the book is in the form of a dialogue, albeit a very one-sided one. It's fun to see how one topic grew and developed into another just through the characters' discussion, and some of the developments are just so farfetched and ridiculous you can't help but laugh.

رأيي بان الكتاب يجب ان يسمي كتاب تكرار التكرار .. التكرار في هالكتاب شككني اني انا قاعدة اقرا لورا وماني قاعدة اتقدم في صفحات هالكتاب ..يعني مش تكرار في جمل بلل في صفحااات .. ممل بشكل فظيع ..ااه جابلي الإكتئاب -.-
جمهورية افلاطون جمهورية متناقضة غريبة
تتركز على اختيار الملك الفيلسوف
ويرى بان الحكومة يجب ان تكون ارستقراطية مكونة من فلاسفة حكماء
وتتكون االدولة من ثلاثة عناصر هو العقل ممثلة في طبقة الحكام والقوة ممثلة في طبقة الشرطة والجيش والعمل في طبقة العمال .
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الحقيقة ضيعت وقتي في قرائته ..
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أفلاطون شخص بنظريات متناقضة يدعو للعدالة وهو يناقض العدالة في جمهوريته الفاضلة .. يدعو للتساوي بين المرأة والرجل بدافع العدل والرحمة ! وذلك عن طريق تجريد المرأة من انوثتها وتحويلها اإلى رجل !!؟
أفلاطون انسان كان يسعى للمثالية المفرطة ..وهاذا الشيء اللي جعل من مدينته الفاضله شيء مستحيل ..او صعب تحقيقه ..
مابسميها مثالية لأن مدينته ابعد ماتكون عن المثالية ..