Items related to The Laws of Plato
The Laws by Plato are the final and lengthiest dialogue written by the renowned Ancient Greek philosopher.
Considered something of a magnum opus by scholars of classical philosophy, in this book Plato sets out the principles of legal theory, and how each principle comes to be applied in civilized, organized society. The lengthy text is divided into twelve distinct books, with a variety of legal topics discussed in considerable depth in every one.
Unusually for a Platonic dialogue, the character of Socrates - who in life was one of Plato's mentors in philosophy - is not present. Instead, the conversations take place between a Greek citizen, a Spartan named Megillos, and a Cretan politician and legal scholar by the name of Clinias.
The definition of law is already assumed at the beginning, with the three characters instead preoccupied with who is responsible for its creation and development in a given society. The dialogue proceeds to discuss and detail the purpose of law in everyday realms of existence, from how it is related to art, religion or philosophy. The essential role of law in education, be that of music, drama or otherwise, is also given due discourse. Finally, Plato discusses the notion of natural law and whether there are rights which can be taken as natural.
Translated by Oxford scholar and prolific translator Benjamin Jowett, this edition of Plato's Laws is perfect for those wishing to benefit from the insights of the Platonic dialogues at a low cost.
Considered something of a magnum opus by scholars of classical philosophy, in this book Plato sets out the principles of legal theory, and how each principle comes to be applied in civilized, organized society. The lengthy text is divided into twelve distinct books, with a variety of legal topics discussed in considerable depth in every one.
Unusually for a Platonic dialogue, the character of Socrates - who in life was one of Plato's mentors in philosophy - is not present. Instead, the conversations take place between a Greek citizen, a Spartan named Megillos, and a Cretan politician and legal scholar by the name of Clinias.
The definition of law is already assumed at the beginning, with the three characters instead preoccupied with who is responsible for its creation and development in a given society. The dialogue proceeds to discuss and detail the purpose of law in everyday realms of existence, from how it is related to art, religion or philosophy. The essential role of law in education, be that of music, drama or otherwise, is also given due discourse. Finally, Plato discusses the notion of natural law and whether there are rights which can be taken as natural.
Translated by Oxford scholar and prolific translator Benjamin Jowett, this edition of Plato's Laws is perfect for those wishing to benefit from the insights of the Platonic dialogues at a low cost.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Born to a politically connected and aristocratic family between 428 and 423 B.C. , Plato received a good standard of education at an early age and was able to immerse himself in the intellectual community of Ancient Athens. His most notable contemporary and mentor was Socrates, an eccentric but highly capable philosopher who was to feature as a principle character in most of Plato's scholarly writings. Owing to his high standard of education in art, mathematics, rhetoric and philosophy, Plato was able to assemble a comprehensive philosophy of his own via his favoured form of writing which was the dialogue. In total, over thirty of these Platonic dialogues have survived the passage of time - and together they form the backbone of Ancient Greek philosophy. After enjoying success as a writer and academic, Plato in 385 B.C. founded The Academy. This school was to unite the most capable thinkers of Greece, and would help to advance learning throughout Greek society's Golden Age. It was in the Academy that Plato would instruct and apprentice Aristotle, who was to go on to gain renown as a philosopher and scholar. Owing to his reputation Plato was hired by Dion, whose nephew Dionysus II was the rightful ruler of Sicily - Dion wished his nephew to receive a good education in the art of sound and wise governance. However Dionysus II became suspicious and accused both Plato and Dion of conspiracy - after some time spent under arrest, Plato returned to his homeland. In his late period, Plato continued to tutor and mentor the best young minds of Athens, and he would perish around 348 B.C. having lived beyond the age of eighty. Today Plato's legacy remains lauded: the philosopher ably used logic and reason to imbue insight on democratic governance, while developing a cohesive philosophy on topics such as art, metaphysics, justice and the 'Theory of Forms' - his iconic take on how ideas related to reality.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherCreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Publication date2016
- ISBN 10 1534611991
- ISBN 13 9781534611993
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages222
- Rating
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