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The Laws
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The Laws Paperback - 2005

by Plato; Trevor J. Saunders (Translator); Introduction by Trevor J. Saunders

In The Laws, Plato describes in fascinating detail a comprehensive system of legislation in a small agricultural utopia he named Magnesia. His laws not only govern crime and punishment but also form a code of conduct for all aspects of life in his ideal state from education, sports, and religion to sexual behavior, marriage, and drinking parties. Plato sets out a plan for the day-to-day rule of Magnesia, administered by citizens and elected officials, with supreme power held by a Council. Although Plato's views that citizens should act in complete obedience to the law have been read as totalitarian, The Laws nonetheless constitutes a highly impressive program for the reform of society and provides a crucial insight into the mind of one of classical Greece's foremost thinkers.


Summary

In The Laws, Plato describes in fascinating detail a comprehensive system of legislation in a small agricultural utopia he named Magnesia. His laws not only govern crime and punishment but also form a code of conduct for all aspects of life in his ideal state—from education, sports, and religion to sexual behavior, marriage, and drinking parties. Plato sets out a plan for the day-to-day rule of Magnesia, administered by citizens and elected officials, with supreme power held by a Council. Although Plato’s views that citizens should act in complete obedience to the law have been read as totalitarian, The Laws nonetheless constitutes a highly impressive program for the reform of society and provides a crucial insight into the mind of one of classical Greece’s foremost thinkers.

* Revised edition includes an appendix, index, a new preface, and updated further reading
* Trevor J. Saunders's translation combines accuracy with readability
* Introduction discusses Plato's life and times, his political theory, and modern
reactions to his works

From the publisher

Plato (c. 427–347 b.c.) founded the Academy in Athens, the prototype of all Western universities, and wrote more than twenty philosophical dialogues.


Trevor J. Saunders has translated many volumes of Plato for the Penguin Classics.
Trevor J. Saunders has translated many volumes of Plato for the Penguin Classics.
Trevor J. Saunders has translated many volumes of Plato for the Penguin Classics.

Richard Stalley is professor of ancient philosophy at the University of Glasgow.

Details

  • Title The Laws
  • Author Plato; Trevor J. Saunders (Translator); Introduction by Trevor J. Saunders
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 560
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Group, E Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.A.
  • Date June 28, 2005
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Maps
  • ISBN 9780140449846 / 0140449841
  • Weight 0.89 lbs (0.40 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.84 x 5.94 x 1.07 in (19.91 x 15.09 x 2.72 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Reading level 1380
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
    • Cultural Region: Greece
  • Library of Congress subjects State, The, Political science - Early works to 1800
  • Dewey Decimal Code 321.07

About the author

Plato (c.427-347 BC) stands with Socrates and Aristotle as one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West. He founded the Academy in Athens, the first permanent institution devoted to philosophical research and teaching, and theprototype of all Western universities. He sought cures for the ills of society in philosophy, and became convinced that those ills would not cease until philosophers became rulers, or rulers philosophers.

Trevor J. Saunders has translated many volumes of Plato for the Penguin Classics.

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