REEVE, C.D.C.,
Philosopher-Kings. The Argument of Plato's Republic.
Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1988. Xv,350p. Original green cloth with dust wrps. Spine gilt titled. Dust wrps slightly worn. Last endpapers slightly rust stained. “Although the philosopher-kings of Reeve's title are central to the argument of this handsomely produced new book, it is in reality nothing less than a complete reinterpretation of the Republic. It has many simple strengths which it might appear unnecessary to mention were they not so often absent in discussions of the dialogue. (…) Although R. declines in his preface to summarise his interpretation, his title page is faced by a diagram which does almost exactly that and which, consulted in connection with the main text, shows clearly just how complete a treatment he aims to achieve. (…) The dialogue is explored (…) thematically; two central chapters, on Epistemology and Metaphysics and Psychology, form the heart of the book and are in the event closely linked, since the cognitive cannot be separated from the cognitive and thus both depend for explanation on the classification of desires, where R. superimposes the division between necessary and unnecessary desires on the tripartite system laying much stress on the function of education in conditioning desires. (…) In addition to the main strands of the argument R. has useful things to say on a number of points, such as the nature of dialectic, pleasure and happiness, the nature and immortality of the soul, and Plato’s views on poetry. (…) R.’s exposition is continuous, and all discussion of secondary literature is left to the notes. (…) a book which will be read with interest by all students of Plato.” (R.S.W. HAWTREY in The Classical Review (New Series), 1990, pp.317-319).
€ 40.00
(Antiquarian)