The Laws

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Laws
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Plato
Translated by Trevor Saunders
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:592
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenreWestern philosophy - Ancient to c 500
ISBN/Barcode 9780140449846
ClassificationsDewey:184
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publication Date 27 January 2005
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

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, sport and religion to sexual behaviour, 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 programme for the reform of society and provides a crucial insight into the mind of one of Classical Greece's foremost thinkers.

Author Biography

Plato (c.427-347 BC) was one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West. He was disgusted by the corruption of Athenian political life, and the execution of his teacher Socrates. 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.