Plato's Republic

By: Plato

Narrated by: Ray Childs

The Republic poses questions that endure: What is justice? What form of community fosters the best possible life for human beings? What is the nature and destiny of the soul? What form of education provides the best leaders for a good republic? What are the various forms of poetry and the other arts, and which ones should be fostered and which ones should be discouraged? How does knowing differ from believing?

Several characters in the dialogue present a variety of tempting answers to those questions. Cephalus, Polemarchus, Thrasymachus, and Glaucon all offer definitions of justice. Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus explore five different forms of republic and evaluate the merits of each from the standpoint of goodness.

Two contrasting models of education are proposed and examined. Three different forms of poetry are identified and analyzed. The difference between knowing and believing is discussed in relation to the objects of each kind of thinking.

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Public Domain (P)2015 Agora, New Internet Technologies

Excellent narration

The narration was awesome! Plus, using different voices for each character made it super easy to listen to and understand.

All time great book

One of the most important reads ever. The basis of western civilization and Christian theology

A fascinating look into a great thinker.

Imagine it's your task to invent civilization. Reading how Plato would do it so long ago, it's amazing that so many of the challenges he pondered are still relevant today.

A Grouchy Socrates

I have read Plato off and on for some years. His Socrates is often a bit dogmatic, with little than affirmative and uncritical responses to his view of things. That's acceptable, but in this particular reading he comes across as a grumpy old man. That's not acceptable.

Classic doesn't always mean good

it was interesting to read, but it's age really shows. There are very few valid counter arguments, it feels like he's sitting in a room full of yes men.
It is still worth a read if you're interested in alternative civilisation structures.