Core Conversations: Plato's Republic
Event details
In the 100th year of Contemporary Civilization's introductory class, don't miss the chance to join our October-November virtual book club, with Plato's Republic, guided by Professor Marcus Folch. The Republic, which discusses the meaning of justice and the structure of an ideal society and soul, is considered by many as the cornerstone of Plato’s corpus and a standing favorite on the CC syllabus that is returned to over and over throughout the year.
Scholars concur that Plato authored 36 dialogues. The Republic is thought to have been written in what is called Plato’s middle period. In Greek, the title of the work is understood as Politea, which can be rendered something closer to “forms of government” or perhaps “constitution.” This later choice, constitution, seems to capture the text’s focus on the deep relationship between the vibrancy of the polis and political community and the flourishing of the individual. The Republic is encyclopediac, addressing in great depth and with wide reach the domains and spheres of philosophy, from education, to ethics, to politics, and beyond. Among the fundamental questions to ask in reading the text is why Plato deemed all these topics essential to the question of the just.
October 18–November 23
To join us on Goodreads for this session, find us here. Search for and request membership to our private group "Core Conversations".
To learn more about the book club, find us here.
