Description
Book SynopsisTraces Plato's depiction of how the most basic forms of human functioning and social justice contain the seed of their evolution into increasingly complex structures, as well as the seed of their degeneration. This passage-by-passage analysis also traces Plato's tendency to begin an investigation with models based on rigid distinctions.
Trade Review...a richly rewarding study that will amply repay the efforts of any reader. Summing Up: Highly Recommended. General readers, lower-division undergraduates through faculty. -- D.J. Maletz, University of Oklahoma * CHOICE *
Dorter...emphasizes the overarching unity of Plato's text through a close and often painstaking analysis of its individual sections, devoting special attention to parts where it seems to shift arbitrarily and abruptly from one topic to another. -- Daniel B. Gallagher * The Classical Bulletin, 2007, Vol 83, No 2 *
Dorter's impressive study of Plato's Republic is a comprehensive treatment of the dialogue from beginning to end and helps to resolve vexing and apparently intractable internal contradictions within the dialogue. Dorter argues that Plato often begins with simple models in order to explore them and then transforms them into far more complex and subtle analyses. The attention to the inner development of the argument enables the author to bring to light the dynamic and, ultimately, coherent structure of the work as a whole. The jury commends the book as one of the most significant contributions to Plato's Republic in recent years. It has high praise for Dorter's engaging narrative, which remains centred on the important human questions at stake and in doing so provides a richly rewarding study.. * Canadian Philosophical Association *
Dorter's impressive study of Plato's Republic is a comprehensive treatment of the dialogue from beginning to end and helps to resolve vexing and apparently intractable internal contradictions within the dialogue. Dorter argues that Plato often begins with simple models in order to explore them and then transforms them into far more complex and subtle analyses. The attention to the inner development of the argument enables the author to bring to light the dynamic and, ultimately, coherent structure of the work as a whole. The jury commends the book as one of the most significant contributions to Plato's Republic in recent years. It has high praise for Dorter's engaging narrative, which remains centred on the important human questions at stake and in doing so provides a richly rewarding study. * Canadian Philosophical Association *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Theories of Justice Chapter 4 The Origin of the City Chapter 5 Education of the Guardians Chapter 6 The Rationally Self-Controlled City Chapter 7 The Three Waves Chapter 8 The Sun, Line, and Cave Chapter 9 Philosopher-Rulers Chapter 10 Decline and Fall Chapter 11 The Superiority of Justice Chapter 12 Art and Death Chapter 13 The Limits of the Timaeus Chapter 14 Conclusion Chapter 15 Bibliography Chapter 16 Index Chapter 17 About the Author
