The Republic, is written by Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher. It is
renowned for its detailed description of political and ethical justice
and its account of the organization of the ideal state. This seminal
work is regarded as one of the most important dialogues. Unlike Socratic
dialogues, the Republic reflects the positive views of Plato. Socrates
was Plato's teacher and the former is the main character in most of
latter's dialogues. The middle dialogues that are literary and
philosophical contain sensitive portrayals of characters and their
interactions. They display Plato's explorations of philosophy.
Plato, in the Republic, undertakes to show what justice is and why it is
in each person's best interest to be just. The political discussion is
undertaken to aid the ethical one. The ideal state, according to Plato,
comprises three social classes: rulers, guardians (or soldiers), and
producers (farmers and craftsmen). The rulers, who are philosophers,
pursue the good of the entire state on the basis of their knowledge of
the form of the Good and the form of the Just.