The Republic

The Republic, is written by Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher. It is renowned for its detailed description of political and ethical justice and its account of the organization of the ideal state. This seminal work is regarded as one of the most important dialogues. Unlike Socratic dialogues, the Republic reflects the positive views of Plato. Socrates was Plato's teacher and the former is the main character in most of latter's dialogues. The middle dialogues that are literary and philosophical contain sensitive portrayals of characters and their interactions. They display Plato's explorations of philosophy.

Plato, in the Republic, undertakes to show what justice is and why it is in each person's best interest to be just. The political discussion is undertaken to aid the ethical one. The ideal state, according to Plato, comprises three social classes: rulers, guardians (or soldiers), and producers (farmers and craftsmen). The rulers, who are philosophers, pursue the good of the entire state on the basis of their knowledge of the form of the Good and the form of the Just.