The ideas of Plato(C429-347BC) have influenced Western philosophers for over two thousand years.Such is his importance thatthe twentieth-century philosopher A. N. Whitehead described all subsequent developments within the subject as foot-notes to Plato's work. Beyond philosophy, he has exerted a major influence on the development of Western literature,politics and theology.
The Republic deals with the great range of Plato's thought, but is particularly concerned with what makes a well-balanced society and individual. It combines argument and myth to advocate a life organised by reason rather than dominated by desires and appetites.Regarded by some as the foundation document of totalitarianism, by others as a call to develop the full potential of humanity, the Republic remains a challenging and intensely exciting work.