Summary of The Republic of Plato

The Republic of Plato is a dialogue between three men, Socrates, Glaucon and Adeimantus, discussing the "just life" and a just society. Throughout their discussion, the three men form a blueprint for an ideal society, with Socrates defining justice in terms of the individual and the city as a whole. He argues that a just society would be structured according to reason, rather than the common view of law or custom. In this way, each part of the society (classes such as the guardians, auxiliaries, and producers) would have an essential role to play, and all members of the society would be required to contribute to the state's welfare. In addition to forming the blueprint for the ideal state, the discussion goes on to address topics such as censorship, education, philosophy, and the role of women in the polis.