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  • Published: 27 January 2005
  • ISBN: 9780141961033
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 592
Categories:

The Laws





Plato's example of utopia

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.

  • Published: 27 January 2005
  • ISBN: 9780141961033
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 592
Categories:

Other books in the series

Emma
Persuasion
Njal's Saga
The Black Tulip
The Lady of the Camellias
On Sparta
Love
Annals
Military Dispatches

About the authors

Plato Plato

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