Product Description

Essestially an inquiry into morality, Republic is the central work of the Western world's most famous philosopher. Containing crucial arguments and insights into many other areas of philosophy, it is also a literary masterpiece: the philosophy is presented for the most part for the ordinary reader, who is carried along by the wit and intensity of the dialogue and by Plato's unforgettable images of hte human condition. This new, lucid translation is complemented by full explanatory notes and an up-to-date critical introduction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4200923 in Books
• Published on: 1957-09-20
• Original language: Greek
• Binding: Paperback
• 406 pages

Review
"Very readable translation....The synopses at the start of each chapter are also quite helpful. The division into more natural chapters and sections is far superior to the 10 book divisions."--Janet L. Binder, University of Minnesota

"Remains the most accessible and readable of the Republic translations. AN excellent introduction to the literary beauty of Plato."--Charles S. Brown, Emporia State University

"A classic! Well presented for introductory courses."--Gray Cox, College of the Atlantic

"The translation is clear, the notes useful, and the preface a fine introduction to principles of translation--all this for a reasonable price."--Robert C. Bennion, Brigham Young University

"I've found that Cornford's translation is understandble to beginning students and his summaries help clarify the texts for students."--Stephen R. Dickerson, South Puget Sound Community College

"The clearest, most readable and philosophically most reliable translation of the Republic available."--Harvey Burstein, Queens College

"The clearest and most lucid translation of Plato's meaning in language that is both simple and colloquial and yet faithful to the philosophical complexity of Plato's ideas."--Harvey Burstein, Queens College

"Still one of the best!"--Katherine King, University of California, Los Angeles

"Without question the best available edition...for the beginning student. Cornford's translation and arrangement are unsurpassed."--Phillip B. Greene, Oxnard College

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

About the Author
Plato (c. 427-c. 347 BC) was an immensely influential ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens where Aristotle studied.

Customer Reviews

A great translation that does justice to a great work
Plato's Republic is really beyond reviews, and it would be presumptuous do anything other than encourage potential readers to study it for themselves. As the overt political slants of some of the other reviews suggest, his ideas resonate in the modern world as much as they did in his own. Whether a reader approaches Republic with positive or negative prejudices, the actual text of the argument forces constant reevaluation and refinement of those preexisting opinions.

Allan Bloom has created a literal translation that is ideal for those who truly wish to engage with Plato. Most other translators have used non-literal methods that attempt to convey in a more contemporary form what Plato "meant" by his arguments. However, in this process the translator's own interpretation of Plato's argument inevitably influences the language in which he renders his translation. Bloom has attempted, with a great degree of success, to separate the processes of translation and interpretation. Rather than imposing his reading on the text itself, he express it in a thought-provoking interpretive essay that follows the text

This is probably not the easiest translation of Plato to read, because Bloom does not attempt to serve as a baby-sitter for his readers. However, the extra time spent in reading this version will be well rewarded by a deeper understanding of Plato's argument.

solid translation
For serious students of Plato (i.e. of philosophy) Bloom's translation is a must. Nowadays few can read Greek comfortably, and a translation that does not cheat the readers is needed. There is in fact a conspiracy in Anglo-american universities to prevent students from reading this particular translation, because Bloom was a student of Leo Strauss and the interpretative essay at the end of this translation is very much influenced by his teacher. You'd be surprised how many professors would list all the translations except this one on a syllabus. Well, without getting into a full explanation of the war on Strauss, let's just say that in a democracy such a disturbing practice is less effective than its practioners would expect. Bloom's translation has survived many years. (Gilbert Ryle, who trashed it in NY review of books, though still the major influence in some quarters, is being forgotten.) Conclusion? BUY THIS TRANSLATION AND READ IT.

Great Political Theory and Philosophy
The main arguments of The Republic are so well known that they hardly need restatement in this review. The central issues in this book are of great importance, but one should also take note of the side issues that Plato raises in political theory and philosophy.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this book is its coverage of issues in theoretical politics. The Republic covers so much ground in Political Theory and Political Philosophy that it is hard to see any other great thinker as completely original. Plato hinted at or mentioned ideas in politics later developed by Rousseau, Marx, Nietche, Hayek... All political theorists should cite Plato, because he thought of practically everything of importance in political theory.

Personally, I find Rousseau more interesting as a pure political philosopher, but that is not saying much. Rousseau was an absolute genius. Plato had brilliant insights in political philosophy, and he anticipated important elements of Rousseau's work anyway.

The Republic does have an Achilles heel: economics (or political economy). The problem here is not so much that he was wrong about economics, but rather than he passed over this subject. Much of what Plato wrote about his ideal Republic is hard to defend in light of economic theory. Some might think me unfair for criticizing Plato by modern standards, but general economic laws were neither different nor unintelligible in Plato's time. Furthermore, Aristotle had a few insights that fit with what we now know as economics. How could someone as brilliant as Plato not see the issues in his book from "the economic point of view"? After all, key elements of modern economics boil down to common sense. Furthermore, there are subtleties to modern economics that raise serious problems with his idea of rule by a philosopher-king.

The lack of economic reasoning in The Republic does not really detract much from its greatness. Given the situation in the ancient world, it was only natural that great thinkers would focus on politics, and pass over economics. Economic issues did not really become apparent until the first wave of Globalozation began, so Plato should have focused on politics instead. That being said, Plato's Republic stands as THE most important book of Political Theory ever written.

This edition of The Republic is important because it includes Alan Blooms interpretive essay. Bloom makes you think more deeply about Plato. This book is a must-have for anyone with serious interest in political or interdisciplinary academic interests.