Customer Reviews

Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Plato and the Republic (Routledge Philosophy GuideBooks)

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Nickolas Pappas' book on Plato's Republic adds a unique perspective to the collection of books on Plato and his major political work. Pappas presents this ancient masterpiece with an eye on the modern reader and "present interest." We not only fit the Republic into political thought and practice of the Fifth Century B.C. We also perceive its relevance to today's world.
Instead of a dry, "academic" discussion, the author presents a lively and trenchant analysis that investigates every concept of Plato's work. The book's exhaustive index is an additional aid to the reader. So is the author's concluding section titled "Fundamental Premises in the Republic's Argument." As a teacher of philosophy myself, I consider Pappas' work to be indispensable for my students' comprehension of some of the most intriguing and challenging ideas on government and citizenship ever developed in political thought. Pappas shows clearly why Plato's Republic has endured for over 2,000 years as a blueprint for the critique of politics in any age.

Although Pappas' book on the Republic is well written and fairly detailed, I feel that it adds little to the two standard texts: Julia Annas' and Nicholas White's. In fact Pappas admits in his introduction that he has drawn a lot from these. Pappas' study can be a good choice for the student in a rush, but it is not the best for an in-depth study of the text.

Professor Pappas has written the best book of its kind on this important and often difficult work. To coin a phrase, it really is the Republic "in large letters." I would not try to tackle the forms without it.

I must agree with the reviewers below: this commentary has greatly enhanced my understanding of The Republic. Even when I think I get it on my own, there is always some nuance or other perspective brought to light; sometimes my own ideas are reinforced, which is very reassuring! I will look for books in this series that discuss other philosophical works -- the extra reading is worth the effort.