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The Republic Audiobook
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(3.69) - 78 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this monumental work of moral and political philosophy, Plato sought to answer some of the world’s most formidable questions: What does it mean to be good? What enables us to distinguish between right and wrong? How should human virtues be translated into a just society? Perhaps the greatest single treatise written on political philosophy, The Republic has strongly influenced Western thought concerning questions of justice, rule, obedience, and the good life.
This work is also undoubtedly the best introduction to Plato’s philosophy in general. Not only does it contain his ideas on the state and man but also his famous theory of forms, his theory of knowledge, and his views on the role of music and poetry in society.
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"This is obviously one of the most significant books ever written, and it's a fun read. The dialogical style makes the philosophical ponderings more palatable, and Socrates has a delightful voice. Having said that, I gave it 4/5 stars because while the question of "The Good" and justice dominate the book Plato never addresses or considers the concept of love. That's not surprising given the culture and epoch of its author, but it does limit the usefulness. Still a book that everyone should read though."
— Mac (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Regarded as Plato's most important work, The Republic has long been studied as a seminal text of the Western literary and philosophical canon. In this group of philosophical dialogues, Plato uses a conversational prose format to explore the nature of society, seeking to define the characteristics of an ideal society, or republic.”
— Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism, Vol. 75
The Republic Listener Reviews
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" While the book poses many interesting questions, Plato fails to answer them satisfyingly. At best, his logic tends to be faulty, and at worst, his ideas are absolutely impractical and possibly even self-centered (especially considering the idea of a "philosopher-king"). A good read to learn and understand Greek culture and thought, but not a book which holds strong philosophical arguments. "
— X, 2/3/2014 -
" My favorite part is the allegory of the cave. Great allegory for life and education. "
— Amy, 1/27/2014 -
" Though the language can be a bit challenging I found this to be a very insightful critique of the classist social structure of Plato's time. Especially enjoy his use of the cave allegory in this work. Was a bit of an arrogant ass, but i still love Plato's works "
— Amanda, 12/31/2013 -
" It's a must read for all psychology majors (mandatory reading if you will) but once you read it you just realize how manipulative and deceitful Socrates was. Although the Socratic method is widely used in psychology, I think that if used in the way Socrates does in The Republic, we'd be out of jobs. "
— Nicole, 12/22/2013 -
" I'm so happy I finally read this book. I've heard you need to read this book 3 times to fully grasp it all so I intend on coming back to it but to do that immediately would be a masochistic experience....so I'll wait a bit. But wow! I feel forever changed / enlightened. There were so many ahah moments and then some huh? moments, but overall, being that it was written almost 2500 years ago, it is completely brilliant and stunning to realize how we have evolved or lack there of. "
— Dara, 12/18/2013 -
" Genesis, antithesis, synthesis . . . This book shows the art of framing an argument to lead the listener in a direction toward the intended conclusion. It's art of manipulation thousands of years old. "
— Jason, 12/17/2013 -
" Plato is excellent. He proves that the "ideal" city is not possible and would be dehumanizing. There is certainly a degree of truth to all that he says. "
— Robert, 12/16/2013 -
" Scheduled to read. "
— Neal, 11/22/2013 -
" Loved it, but only after I read it twice. "
— Michelle, 10/4/2013 -
" I loved the book so far, wonderful insights, allegories, thoughts to ponder. Still reading bits and pieces of it. "
— Adam, 8/13/2013 -
" Philosophy: the craft of compiling unsound assumptions to prove a baseless argument. "
— Anthony, 6/2/2013 -
" I don't remember much just that I had to read it and write a paper, that's why I gave it 3 stars. Maybe I should re-read. "
— Marisela, 5/24/2013 -
" I know it sounds crazy but when I was required to read this in school I remember loving it!! Maybe I should reread it! "
— Marjorie, 5/4/2013 -
" One of the greatest works in philosophy. Readable and profound. "
— Stephen, 2/20/2013 -
" Ehhh....all Philosophy was NOT my favorite class...that is fore sure! "
— Kimberly, 12/27/2012 -
" Reread the Republic. This time I focused on the regime typology and personality of the tyrant in Books VIII and IX. Just stunning. "
— Brendan, 12/25/2012 -
" I'm currently reading this via audiobook during runs. It helps me to use the Socratic Method to make it to the top of certain hills. More later... "
— Owen, 11/1/2012 -
" I honestly adore this book "
— Cmarie, 10/1/2011 -
" Classic in Philosophical thought. Thought provoking. Makes a person challenge his underlying motives in things that he does. "
— Brian, 7/16/2011 -
" It's kind of hard to read, but the wit is so great that you just have to read it. "
— Krista, 6/25/2011 -
" Plato's reasoning, though innovative, frustrated me throughout the book. "
— Lauren, 5/16/2011 -
" Plato's reasoning, though innovative, frustrated me throughout the book. "
— Lauren, 5/16/2011 -
" Read most of this. Probably the most enlightening thing I've ever picked up. "
— Mercedes, 5/15/2011 -
" Read most of this. Probably the most enlightening thing I've ever picked up. "
— Mercedes, 5/15/2011 -
" Wasn't my cup of tea. Had to read it in school. Through in retrospect it does provide some<br/>Interesting ideas "
— John, 5/9/2011 -
" I think that there is a lot of good insight in the book although, so far, it appears much of Socrates' philosophy conveniently supports his privileged lifestyle and culture. "
— Cody, 5/9/2011 -
" Wasn't my cup of tea. Had to read it in school. Through in retrospect it does provide some<br/>Interesting ideas "
— John, 5/9/2011 -
" I think that there is a lot of good insight in the book although, so far, it appears much of Socrates' philosophy conveniently supports his privileged lifestyle and culture. "
— Cody, 5/9/2011 -
" A text that comes back to speech again once you read it. "
— Mohammed, 5/6/2011 -
" A text that comes back to speech again once you read it. "
— Mohammed, 5/6/2011 -
" The book that all others are judged by in political philosophy. "
— Bruce, 4/28/2011 -
" The book that all others are judged by in political philosophy. "
— Bruce, 4/28/2011 -
" Don't get it. Never will. Don't care. "
— Kaylan, 4/28/2011 -
" I strongly believe this book should be required reading in schools today. A strong foundation in reasoning, logic, and philosophy sure wouldn't hurt them any. "
— Jason, 4/10/2011 -
" I strongly believe this book should be required reading in schools today. A strong foundation in reasoning, logic, and philosophy sure wouldn't hurt them any. "
— Jason, 4/10/2011 -
" It astounds me that Nietzsche gets called a Nazi when he was explicitly opposed to all nationalism, when fascistic tendencies are one of the most central aspects of this book... Its funny how people see plato, contrasted with his writings... "
— Jordan, 4/6/2011 -
" It astounds me that Nietzsche gets called a Nazi when he was explicitly opposed to all nationalism, when fascistic tendencies are one of the most central aspects of this book... Its funny how people see plato, contrasted with his writings... "
— Jordan, 4/6/2011 -
" all 10 books. triumph. "
— Jennie, 4/1/2011
About Plato
Plato (circa 423–347 BC) was a philosopher in ancient Greece and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Plato, together along with his teacher, Socrates, and his most famous student, Aristotle, laid the foundations of Western philosophy and science. He is widely considered the most pivotal figure in the development of philosophy, especially philosophy of the Western tradition.