The Republic

Exploring the definition of justice, this dialogue features Socrates engaging with various Athenians and foreigners as they debate the nature of the just city-state and the just man. Set against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War, the discussions lead to the conceptualization of Kallipolis, a city governed by philosopher-kings. Key themes include the theory of forms, the immortality of the soul, and the societal roles of philosophers and poetry. Its profound insights have made it a cornerstone of Western philosophy and political theory.