The Two Republics: A Study in Dialectic

Abstract

The citizens of a state participate in each other, in the state (polis), and in certain ideas and ideals which determine the character of the state they found. What kind of whole do citizen and state exemplify? Plato provides his answer to this question in the Republic. This dialogue, however, is a famously ambiguous writing. Scarcely a book in the philosophic library is as widely read as Plato’s Republic. Especially now it is often used as an introduction to philosophy, as required reading in courses in politics, ethics, social theory, and in the Great Books circles. New editions and translations continue to appear. Perhaps one would be tempted to say in consequence that the philosophy of Plato must be becoming more widely understood and that this improved understanding ought to be happily reflected in our political and social life. But this inference will not withstand examination. The shadow of the Tower of Babel has fallen on the Republic. It has been said that every great philosopher is followed by a train of academics who tend to reify or materialize his concepts. Perhaps this saying holds true of the Republic. This dialogue, however, is a famously ambiguous writing.