Plato: Republic (in Greek)

This is Plato's most famous, and most influential, work, probably written in the 370s. It is primarily concerned with the questions of the nature of justice and of what is the best possible kind of life we can live; but these questions prompt discussions of the ideal city (including Plato's most famous discussions of art), the nature of knowledge, the Theory of Forms, and the immortality of the soul. Studying the Republic will thus introduce you to many of Plato's central ideas and arguments - though it is important to remember that his thought on all these issues developed over time, and the Republic represents one stage in a continuous process of reflection and self-criticism rather than a definitive and self-contained statement of his philosophy. For this reason you will wish to look at some of the ideas and arguments to be found in other Platonic dialogues as well. The examination for *130(a) (i.e. for those offering a text-based paper) includes a compulsory question with passages for translation and critical comment, as well as essay questions. You will be expected to have read books I, IV-VII, X in Greek.

Julia Annas, An Introduction to Plato's Republic, introduction and ch. 1. Text: Burnet (OCT).