Presented in the form of a dialogue between Socrates and three different interlocutors, Republic is an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community and the ideal individual within it. This work addresses the purpose of education and the role of both women and men as 'guardians' of the people.

Sets out to examine the nature of happiness. This book argues that happiness consists in 'activity of the soul in accordance with virtue', for example with moral virtues, such as courage, generosity and justice, and intellectual virtues, such as knowledge, wisdom and insight.

Presents translations of five dialogues from Plato, as well as additional notes on history and mythology.

This edition includes the entire surviving corpus attributed to Plato in antiquity. In addition to the texts, it contains introductions to the works, discussion on the chronology of their composition, comments on the dialogue form in which Plato wrote, and guidance on reading and studying Plato.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization

An account of Greek tragedy, it demonstrates how the elements of plot, character and spectacle combine to produce 'pity and fear' - and why we derive pleasure from this painful process. It introduces the crucial concepts of mimesis ('imitation'), hamartia ('error') and katharsis, which have informed serious thinking about drama ever since.

Presents an analysis based on a study of over 150 city constitutions, covering a range of political issues in order to establish which types of constitution are best - both ideally and in particular circumstances - and how they may be maintained.

The trial and condemnation of Socrates for heresy and corrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of Classical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato also developed his own philosophy, based on Socrates' manifesto for a life guided by self-responsibilty.

A paperback edition of Dodd's standard edition of Plato's Gorgias . The text and apparatus criticus are based on a fresh survey of the evidence. Two major manuscripts are fully collated, and account is taken both of new papyri and of the rich indirect tradition.

Written in Greek without any intention of publication, this book offers spiritual reflections and exercises developed by the author, as the leader who struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. It covers topics such as: the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods, and Aurelius's own emotions.

Metaphysics is the study of existence at the highest level of generality. This book presents key topics that have always figured on the agenda of metaphysics: the nature and rationale of existence, the differentiation of what is actual from the unreal and mere possibility, and the prospects and limits of our knowledge of the real.

Presents a readable translation of a poem that is crucial to the history of ancient thought. This title offers an elaboration of Greek Epicurean physics and psychology. It argues that the soul is mortal, that pleasure is the object of life, and that humanity has free will, among other ideas.

This is an English translation of arguably the first systematic treatment of issues in the philosophy of mind, and one of the greatest works on the subject.

2nd edition.

This text examines Aristotle's Rhetoric as a classic treatise on the arts of public speaking and persuasion which played a role in the civic life of Greece. These arts, which evolved a highly formalized tradition of technique, were connected with the study of political and moral theory.

Set immediately prior to the trial and execution of Socrates in 399 BC, Theaetetus shows the great philosopher considering the nature of knowledge itself, in a debate with the geometrician Theodorus and his young follower Theaetetus. Their dialogue covers many questions, such as: is knowledge purely subjective, composed of the ever-changing flow of impressions we receive from the outside world? ..

This translation and introduction to the The Statesman , Plato's neglected political work, is crucial to understanding the development of his political thinking. In some respects, it continues themes from the Republic , particularly the importance of knowledge as an entitlement to rule.

A new and accessible translation of Cicero's important work on ethics.

The most accessible and comprehensive guide to Aristotle currently available.