CONTENTS
Preface
Abbreviations and References
INTRODUCTION
Bibliography
PARALLEL GREEK TEXT AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Apparatus Criticus
COMMENTARY
Appendix
Index
This new edition provides a thorough reappraisal of one of the most remarkable and controversial sections of the Republic. Book 5's radical proposals for the ideal state include an argument for the essential equality of the sexes; provision for full female participation in the work of the Guardians (including warfare); the abolition of the family for this same ruling class, with a sexual as well as economic system of communism; and a policy of eugenic control. Plato feared that some of this material would arouse amusement in his readers; in fact, parts of Book 5 have been subsequently used to support a charge of totalitarianism against Plato, while other elements have led to description of him as the first feminist. Book 5 also examines the relation between knowledge and belief, and in doing so embarks on the great structure of metaphysical thought which forms the centre-piece of the entire work. All these topics receive fresh and detailed consideration in the introduction and commentary, which are designed to make this important work accessible to a wide range of readers.
Stephen Halliwell is Professor of Greek at the University of St Andrews. He is the author of two works on Aristotle's Poetics and of an edition of Plato's Republic 10 in this series.
240pp. (1993) cl 535 6 £35 / $59.99, pb 536 4 £16.50 / $28 (cl out of print)
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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Bibliography PARALLEL GREEK TEXT AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION Apparatus Criticus COMMENTARY Appendix |
SOME COMMENTS BY REVIEWERS
"A substantial introduction ... excellent English
translation ... the commentary achieves just the right balance
... Highly commended." Choice
RELATED BOOKS
See under PLATO in this series.