An Overview Of The Book Republic Written By Plato

Godula Praneetha, Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad

ABSTRACT

In the Republic, Plato defines what is just and justice. Plato uses the method to covey his views by asking questions. Republic consists of 10 books. In the beginning, we find Socrates with his friends in the home of Cephalus. Socrates and his friends engage themselves in the conversation about the advantages of old age and also speak about what is needed to live a healthy life. They also discuss the advantages of inheritance. But the main point of the conversation is Socrates asks Cephalus what is the advantage of being a wealthy man. They also try to create an imaginary city to define justice. He also addresses the challenges of more controversial features of good cities he imagined. He also addresses himself in arguing that just the city and just and just human beings that he created are good. He delivers three proofs that are always better to be just than unjust. At the ending, they complete the discussion of justice and happiness. Socrates says that poets should be banned from a just city as they can lead people away from the truth and thus it forms virtue and happiness. Plato in this sense is one of the most significant theorists of the ideal state.