Plato's Republic: A Study [Paperback]

Professor Stanley Rosen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300126921 | ISBN-13: 978-0300126921 | Publication Date: February 5, 2008

In this book a distinguished philosopher offers a comprehensive interpretation of Plato’s most controversial dialogue. Treating the Republic as a unity and focusing on the dramatic form as the presentation of the argument, Stanley Rosen challenges earlier analyses of the Republic (including the ironic reading of Leo Strauss and his disciples) and argues that the key to understanding the dialogue is to grasp the author’s intention in composing it, in particular whether Plato believed that the city constructed in the Republic is possible and desirable.

Rosen demonstrates that the fundamental principles underlying the just city are theoretically attractive but that the attempt to enact them in practice leads to conceptual incoherence and political disaster. The Republic, says Rosen, is a vivid illustration of the irreconcilability of philosophy and political practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The most comprehensive and detailed commentary on and interpretation of Plato’s Republic in English. Stanley Rosen is one of the most original interpreters of Plato alive."—Drew A. Hyland, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut

(Drew A. Hyland )

“Highly persuasive as a refutation of the Straussians as well as of those who wish to accuse Plato of totalitarianism on one hand or philosophical incompetence on the other. Plato scholars of every stripe will be forced to respond to this book’s main claims.”—Jacob Howland, University of Tulsa

(Jacob Howland )

“A smart and insightful commentary. The book is a welcome addition to the corpus of Plato scholarship. . . .Highly recommended"

(Choice ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Stanley Rosen is Borden Parker Bowne Professor of Philosophy and University Professor at Boston University. His previous books include The Elusiveness of the Ordinary and Hermeneutics as Politics, both published by Yale University Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (February 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300126921
• ISBN-13: 978-0300126921
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #940,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good, persuasive study, November 20, 2009

By 

Felipe Valencia (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Plato's Republic: A Study (Hardcover)

I am a beginner in the study of philosophy. For that reason, I enjoyed Rosen's lucid style, and his preference for avoiding technicisms unless they're absolutely necessary. His arguments are sound and persuasive, and his interpretative practice encourages the reader to engage in a more critical, close reading of Plato's Republic. I am afraid that maybe he's too persuasive, and thus may simplify some problems in the mind of unexperienced readers like myself. In other words, it's hard not to agree with him on everything unless you re-read certain passages by yourself. Besides, the readers of the Republic are legion, and count among them some of the brightest minds of Western culture. In sum, I enjoyed Prof. Rosen's book very much, and I recommend it highly, although I do hope some better qualified students of philosophy may write reviews.