Engagement with Plato's Republic

Basil Mitchell, Oriel College, University of Oxford, UK and J.R. Lucas, Merton College, University of Oxford, UK

• Contents: Introduction; Questions asked; Morality as mental health; Return of the self; Knowledge and opinion; Theories of forms; Plato's theory of argument; The search for the good; Morality and happiness; Plato and pluralism; Sex, self and power; Plato and education; The quarrel with the poets; Envoi; Index.

'The authors, distinguished Oxford teachers and scholars, have succeeded admirably in their goal, to help readers "feel the force" of Plato's arguments. Their humane and patient book encourages us to engage with Socrates and Plato, still the founding teachers in the western tradition of political and moral philosophy, whether or not Plato infuriates or persuades his modern readers. It is refreshing to be invited to "grapple with the text" and to be guided by the authors to a place where we can think on the great issues of politics, justice and morality with clarity and confidence.' Mark Morford, Professor of Classics Emeritus, University of Virginia, USA 'A truly engaging study. Anyone who teaches the Republic as living philosophy should have this book at hand. It is the essence of two careers spent teaching the Republic, lively, contentious, and delightful to read. The style is as fresh as that of the best recent philosophy, and the issues addressed are of contemporary interest. There is no stale air here; all is fresh and invigorating. Lucas and Mitchell waste no time with Plato's arguments when they are bad, and spare no effort in support of his arguments when they are good, especially when Platonic arguments rightly undermine contemporary fashions such as pluralism.' Paul Woodruff , Department of Philosophy, The University of Texas at Austin, USA 'The authors succeed in a number of ways to facilitate a modern reading of the Republic.' Prudentia