Understanding Plato

The Republic with Commentary by Will Durant

By: Will Durant, Plato, Benjamin Jowett - Translator

Narrated by: Peter Coates, Mark Bowen

Plato's Republic: Text and Commentary presents one of the most influential philosophical works in Western history through a unique dual structure: the first half offers insightful commentary by Will Durant, while the second half features the full text of The Republic by Plato. This format invites listeners to engage deeply with the philosophical ideas that have shaped political theory, ethics, and education for over two millennia.

Will Durant, one of the 20th century's most respected historians and philosophers, brings Plato's complex dialogues to life with clarity and warmth. His commentary distills key themes—justice, the ideal state, the role of the philosopher, and the nature of truth—making them accessible without sacrificing depth. Durant also contextualizes Plato's thought within the broader tradition of Greek philosophy and highlights its relevance to the modern world. The second half of the book presents Plato's Republic in its complete form, preserving the original structure of the Socratic dialogue. Readers are encouraged to move between the commentary and the text, allowing for a layered understanding of Plato's arguments and rhetorical strategies. The inclusion of both voices—Plato's and Durant's—offers a dynamic conversation across centuries. This edition is ideal for students, educators, and general readers alike. Whether approaching The Republic for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, readers will find new insights and perspectives through Durant's humanistic interpretation. His writing bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and contemporary thought, shedding light on enduring questions about justice, leadership, and the good life.

Plato's Republic: Text and Commentary is more than a philosophical text—it is a guide to thinking critically about society, self, and the world we wish to build. Through this dialogue between past and present, the book invites us to ask not just what Plato thought, but what we think today.

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