Laws by Plato

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About this eBook

Author Plato, 428? BCE-348? BCE
Translator Jowett, Benjamin, 1817-1893
Title Laws
Note Reading ease score: 56.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Note Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_(dialogue)
Credits Produced by Sue Asscher, and David Widger
Summary "Laws" by Plato is a philosophical treatise written in the late 4th century BC. This work discusses themes of governance, ethics, and the role of laws in achieving a just society, focusing on the importance and structure of legislation in Greek city-states. It features an Athenian character who leads a dialogue with a Spartan and a Cretan, exploring various legal systems and their implications for human behavior and social order. The opening of "Laws" sets the stage for a deep exploration of legislative principles as the three interlocutors embark on a walk from Cnosus to the cave of Zeus. They engage in a conversation regarding the origins and purposes of their respective laws, specifically focusing on the military underpinnings of the Cretan and Spartan legal frameworks. The Athenian initiates a critical examination of these laws, arguing that true legislation must cater to all virtues, not just the valor essential for war. Throughout the dialogue, they consider the definition of courage, the relationship between internal and external conflicts, and ultimately the nature of a just society, which is revealed as a collective aim of legislation rather than mere military prowess. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class JC: Political science: Political theory
LoC Class PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
Subject Political science -- Early works to 1800
Subject State, The -- Early works to 1800
Category Text
EBook-No. 1750
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jan 16, 2013
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 1774 downloads in the last 30 days.
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