Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Kindle
$0.19

Available instantly

Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial

Hardcover
$18.47

Paperback
$5.18

$5.18 with 35 percent savings

List Price: $8.00

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35

Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 16 hrs 52 mins

Select delivery location

In Stock

$$5.18 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Ships from

Amazon.com

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Returns

30-day easy returns

Returns

30-day easy returns

This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Read full return policy

Payment

Secure transaction

Payment

Secure transaction

We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more

Details

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

Other sellers on Amazon

New & Used (95) from $5.18 FREE Shipping on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon.

Follow the author

Plato

+ Follow

More books from this author

The Republic Book TrailerIndependent Publishers Group

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

VIDEO

The Republic (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy) Paperback – April 18, 2000

by Plato (Author)

4.4 4,973 ratings

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$5.18","priceAmount":5.18,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"5","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"18","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"JpQx0H5yYB7JjoCG14riIJcElpQfYyquAAsJAnOajOtth7MgXYQ5B%2FvU%2FHoHY4fITXU3Xr%2FXZYfRwB9AstwzkqGDUXnUBX6WiptAyJ4aIXT4P4to28AEsNo0Zz69h3x9G2eBQeDE2rg%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Often ranked as the greatest of Plato's many remarkable writings, this celebrated philosophical work of the fourth century B.C. contemplates the elements of an ideal state, serving as the forerunner for such other classics of political thought as Cicero's De Republica, St. Augustine's City of God, and Thomas More's Utopia.
Written in the form of a dialog in which Socrates questions his students and fellow citizens, The Republic concerns itself chiefly with the question, "What is justice?" as well as Plato's theory of ideas and his conception of the philosopher's role in society. To explore the latter, he invents the allegory of the cave to illustrate his notion that ordinary men are like prisoners in a cave, observing only the shadows of things, while philosophers are those who venture outside the cave and see things as they really are, and whose task it is to return to the cave and tell the truth about what they have seen. This dynamic metaphor expresses at once the eternal conflict between the world of the senses (the cave) and the world of ideas (the world outside the cave), and the philosopher's role as mediator between the two.
High school and college students, as well as lovers of classical literature and philosophy, will welcome this handsome and inexpensive edition of an immortal work. It appears here in the fine translation by the English classicist Benjamin Jowett.

Frequently bought together

The Republic (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy)

$5.18

Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

+

$6.55

Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

+

$4.99

Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16

In Stock

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Total price:

To see our price, add these items to your cart.

Try again!

Details

Added to Cart

Choose items to buy together.

Plato
1,780
Paperback
111 offers from $3.06
Plato
2,280
Paperback
179 offers from $1.99
Plato
331
Paperback
66 offers from $2.22
Neel Burton
129
Paperback
4 offers from $11.30
Plato
678
Paperback
121 offers from $1.99
Niccolò Machiavelli
428
Paperback
in Italian History
16 offers from $4.50

From the brand

Debuting in 1990, the Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world. Dover’s longstanding mission of exceptional value has consistently offered excellence in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.

Dover Thrift Editions are low priced, compact (5"x8"), complete and unabridged.
Religion

Visit the Store
Are there any collections of stories or poetry in the Dover Thrift Editions?

In addition to single title books, Dover offers books of anthologies in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Check out our Thrift Editions of short stories, literary collections, poetry, gothic and horror, SciFi/Fantasy, crime/mystery/thrillers and more. Happy Reading!

What formats are the Thrift Editions available in?

All are available in an easy to carry paperback version and most titles are available for the Kindle e-reader.
American History/History

Visit the Store
Black History

Visit the Store
Biography and Autobiography

Visit the Store
Classic Novels

Visit the Store
Crime, Mystery and Thrillers

Visit the Store
Literary Collections

Visit the Store
Short Stories

Visit the Store
Gothic and Horror

Visit the Store
Philosophy

Visit the Store
Plays

Visit the Store
Psychology

Visit the Store
Poetry

Visit the Store
Political Science

Visit the Store
SciFi and Fantasy

Visit the Store
Speeches and Quotations

Visit the Store

From the Publisher

The Republic by Plato Dover Thrift Editions Philosophy

Plato (427–347 BC) ranks as the most important figure in the development of the Western philosophical tradition along with his teacher, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle.

The Republic concerns itself chiefly with the question, "What is justice?"

Often ranked as the greatest of Plato's many remarkable writings, this celebrated philosophical work of the fourth century B.C. contemplates the elements of an ideal state

Source of the famous cave myth and prototype for other imaginary commonwealths, including those of Cicero, St. Augustine, and More.

“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.”

“If women are expected to do the same work as men, we must teach them the same things.”

Benjamin Jowett translation.

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This celebrated philosophical work of the fourth century B.C. contemplates the elements of an ideal state, serving as the forerunner for such other classics of political thought as Cicero's De Republica, St. Augustine's City of God, and Thomas More's Utopia.
Written in the form of a dialog in which Socrates questions his students and fellow citizens, The Republic concerns itself chiefly with the question, "What is justice?" as well as Plato's theory of ideas and his conception of the philosopher's role in society. To explore the latter, he invents the allegory of the cave to illustrate his notion that ordinary men are like prisoners in a cave, observing only the shadows of things, while philosophers are those who venture outside the cave and see things as they really are, and whose task it is to return to the cave and tell the truth about what they have seen. This dynamic metaphor expresses at once the eternal conflict between the world of the senses (the cave) and the world of ideas (the world outside the cave), and the philosopher's role as mediator between the two.

About the Author

Plato ranks among the most familiar ancient philosophers, along with his teacher, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle. In addition to writing philosophical dialogues — used to teach logic, ethics, rhetoric, religion, and mathematics as well as philosophy — he founded Athens' Academy, the Western world's first institution of higher learning.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; 1st edition (April 18, 2000)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486411214
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486411217
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1060L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #773,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,267 in Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy
- #2,080 in Political Philosophy (Books)
- #2,850 in History & Theory of Politics

Customer Reviews:
4.4 4,972 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Plato

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Plato (428-348 BCE) was a philosopher and mathematician in ancient Greece. A student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle, his Academy was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely regarded as the father of modern philosophy.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

4,973 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Reviews with images

See all photos

Sort reviews by

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

buffcanuck83

An insightful delight

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

I would highly recommend that everyone read Plato’s Republic to gain more comprehensive understanding of western society and how various form of government are constructed; as well as expanding one’s understanding of philosophy.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Dan Capers

Incredible !

Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024

Verified Purchase

A Must Read !

Amazing the amount of wisdom and insight contained in this discussion, Plato was of course a Genius.

Helpful

Jeff Marzano

Similar To The Bible In Some Ways

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2006

Verified Purchase

I'm not too knowledgeable about philosophy so it took me some time to figure out exactly what Plato was trying to say here.

He talks a lot about how a true philosopher possesses a great truth, a truth which is not well understood or accepted by many people and entire societies. The true philosopher lives and acts based on these universal truths which are unchanging, universal laws.

But what is this great knowledge ?

I really didn't understand his point until the final pages, really the very last page.

That's where he talks about how everyone chooses their 'geniuses' (guides) before they are born.

Some are blinded by greed and lust so they choose to become tyrants in this life.

Others choose more wisely such as the great adventurer Odysseus who, disillusioned with adventure, chose a simple life.

So the point is the people who should be running society are those who have chosen wisely before they were born based on the great truths (justice, moderation, etc..)

Then the sisters of fate weave everyone's choices together:

"Mortal souls, behold a new cycle of life and mortality. Your genius will not be allotted to you, but you will choose your genius; and let him who draws the first lot have the first choice, and the life which he chooses shall be his destiny. Virtue is free, and as a man honors or dishonors her he will have more or less of her; the responsibility is with the chooser - God is justified."

Fulcanelli: Master Alchemist: Le Mystere des Cathedrales, Esoteric Intrepretation of the Hermetic Symbols of The Great Work (Le Mystere Des Cathedrales ... of the Hermetic Symbols of Great Work)

Same Soul, Many Bodies: Discover the Healing Power of Future Lives through Progression Therapy

The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Reader's Edition)

The Essential Edgar Cayce

Initiation

Initiation in the Great Pyramid (Astara's Library of Mystical Classics)

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Steve De Pangher

Jowett's version much better than I expected

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023

Verified Purchase

I teach the Republic to High School students and have been using the translation by Griffith (Cambridge) for many years. For reasons I don't recall, I have thought Jowett's translation unreliable and so have avoided it. On a lark, I decided to reread The Republic in Jowett's translation and found it fantastic. I am not qualified to judge its accuracy of translation, as I only know the smallest amount of Greek. But, even though I have read this marvelous dialog many times, I felt that I was understanding some of the content in ways I had not previously experienced. I will continue to teach from Griffith, as its scholarly reputation is solid, but I will not be shy of reading Jowett's version in the future - neither his version of The Republic or other of Plato's dialogs.

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Clif

Constantine who was only the Emperor of the East of the Roman Empire and the west had fallen Burn the great library of Alexandri

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017

Verified Purchase

There are no lables for truth. However, the civilization we live in try to tell us that man's civilization is only 6 thousand yrs old & man 10 thousand. Da, not so! This is why they have gnosticism. Because how if man is only six thousand years old, do they have Solon Hermes, Pythagoras, Socraest, Plato, Aristoles, Hippocratics the physcian, just came out knowing all and more than the Doctors of the eary 20th centry. When it comes to Greek Myyhology shows the mistakes in history. After the Dark age know one knew how to read unless they where Royal bloodlines and yet not even, Constantine who was only the Emperor of the East of the Roman Empire and the west had fallen Burn the great library of Alexandria that was made to collect lost knowledge After the Myology of man & war of the Gods. It was a place that was a city of study we will never have such truth,! When Julis Ceaser burnd it and said how could one man conquer the world by 32 years and in the year 48 BC means that he must have at least been in his 50s which was old then. He said the only way to conquer the world was through igorence. Strip them of their knowledge and the truth of man. The 3rd Century Ad to push ignorence & muder those.Created by PtolemyI Soter who was a Macedonian General under Alexander THE GREAT! most Books were kept inPapyrus scrolls Unknowing how many books were taken out at a time 40,000 to 4000.000, at its height!Being burned down from the bloodlines that still rule the world today but mixed with the once Celts meaning the cent land. Name changed after general Germanius as lands to conquer! This burn threw the world into ignorence except the Romans & Hellenistic, = the Semetic taht went to the Creed of Nicien Council of Nicea 325 almost the same time as the Burning that lost all oneness of man. Constantine odered all priest of all belifes to rewrite the history of man, the book of Enoch was of part of Genesis, it spoke of man being very advanced and the war of man and the Gods. ????? Then they murdered all the advanced people and knowledge like Nikola Tesla had to be past down by word of mouth. I love Greek "Mythology, it should becalled lost facts. Pomei was a myth so was troy, now facts. thank the Greeks for holding this great knowledge, Egyptians are just like the rest even though Thoth who is Hermes tought them

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English

Djalma M. Argollo

Um clássico

Reviewed in Brazil on January 15, 2024

Verified Purchase

Necessário para uma ampliação de conceitos e cultura

Translate review to English

Richard Reid

Plato

Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2024

Verified Purchase

Excellent read ...

Unknown

Best

Reviewed in India on April 15, 2024

Verified Purchase

Good quality and content wise also great

John C Scalia,Sr.

Required reading for the thinking person

Reviewed in Germany on February 4, 2023

Verified Purchase

There’s a reason the Socratic method is used for teaching in American law schools. It fosters rational analysis. Of course, it doesn’t always take. Lol

Noby

難しく速読では絶対にわからない

Reviewed in Japan on April 5, 2020

Verified Purchase

古くて新しい共和国。一読の要あると思うが、かなりの基礎教養ないとわけ分からん。ごめんなさい。

2 people found this helpful

Translate review to English

See more reviews

Amazon Prime includes:

Follow the author

The Republic (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy) Paperback – April 18, 2000

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may ship from close to you

From the brand

Religion

Are there any collections of stories or poetry in the Dover Thrift Editions?

What formats are the Thrift Editions available in?

American History/History

Black History

Biography and Autobiography

Classic Novels

Crime, Mystery and Thrillers

Literary Collections

Short Stories

Gothic and Horror

Philosophy

Plays

Psychology

Poetry

Political Science

SciFi and Fantasy

Speeches and Quotations

From the Publisher

Plato (427–347 BC) ranks as the most important figure in the development of the Western philosophical tradition along with his teacher, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle.

The Republic concerns itself chiefly with the question, "What is justice?"

Often ranked as the greatest of Plato's many remarkable writings, this celebrated philosophical work of the fourth century B.C. contemplates the elements of an ideal state

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Videos

Videos for this product

The Republic Book Trailer

About the author

Plato

Customer reviews

Reviews with images

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries