Plato's Introduction to the Question of Justice - Softcover

Stauffer, Devin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791447464 ISBN 13: 9780791447468

Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr, 2000

Synopsis

An in-depth investigation of the views of justice present in the opening sections of Plato's Republic.

Plato’s Introduction to the Question of Justice uncovers the heart of the Platonic analysis of justice by focusing on the crucial opening sections of the Republic. Stauffer argues that the dialectical confrontations with ordinary opinion presented in these sections provide the basis for Plato’s view of justice, and that they also help to show how Plato’s thought remains relevant today, especially as a rival to Kantianism.

About this title

About the Author:

Devin Stauffer is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Kenyon College.

Review:

“This book provides a truly illuminating interpretation of the foundations of the Platonic analysis of justice in the Republic. The crucial arguments in Book One of the Republic are explicated with meticulous attention to detail, and the far-reaching implications are spelled out with thought-provoking clarity. This book will prove an indispensable guide to that much read and much studied classic text.” ― Thomas L. Pangle, coauthor of Justice Among Nations: On the Moral Basis of Power and Peace

“Stauffer’s introduction engages the reader’s serious concern from the start by exploring the shortcomings of postmodern approaches to justice, elaborating the stronger approach of Kant while showing what reasonable considerations it excludes, and so leading back to Plato’s inquiry as a promising alternative. This book is uncommonly well-written and powerfully argued.” ― James H. Nichols, Jr., translator of Plato’s Gorgias

“Stauffer brings extraordinary clarity and dazzling insight to a seemingly familiar text. I have studied and taught the Republic, especially Book One, for over twenty years and Stauffer’s book has taught me to see that book afresh. It has revealed to me wholly new dimensions of the dialogue.” ― Peter J. Ahrensdorf, author of The Death of Socrates and the Life of Philosophy: An Interpretation of Plato’s Phaedo

About this edition

• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0791447464
• ISBN 13: 9780791447468
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144