Book Club: Plato’s Republic (Part I: What is Justice?)

On Saturday, 25th of July, we’re going to begin a two-part discussion of Plato’s Republic, one of the most influential works in the history of philosophy. For this first session, we’ll focus on Books I–V.

Written around 375 BCE, the Republic is Plato’s most famous dialogue and a foundational text of Western political thought. The dialogue begins with a seemingly simple question: What is justice? As Socrates examines and challenges various answers, the discussion gradually expands into an ambitious inquiry into politics, ethics, education, human nature, and the ideal society.

In the first half of the work, Plato explores competing views of justice, critiques the pursuit of power and self-interest, and develops the blueprint of his famous 'ideal city'. Along the way, he raises provocative questions about education, censorship, social class, gender equality, political leadership, and the relationship between the individual and the state.

More than two thousand years later, many of these questions remain surprisingly relevant. Is justice valuable in itself, or only because of its consequences? Should political leaders be chosen for their wisdom rather than their popularity? What role should education play in shaping citizens? Can a society ever be truly just?

Let’s discuss!

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Plato (c. 428–348 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher and a student of Socrates. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Through his dialogues, Plato explored enduring questions about knowledge, morality, politics, beauty, and the good life, profoundly influencing philosophy, science, and political thought for more than two millennia.

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Anyone is welcome to join! No background in philosophy is needed. Before the meeting, please read Books I–V of the Republic, think about them, and note any passages you find especially interesting, challenging, or worth discussing. We’ll share our thoughts and interpretations duri