The Republic of Plato
"The Republic of Plato" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 375 BC. In this foundational work of philosophy and political theory, Socrates debates the nature of justice with Athenians and foreigners, asking whether the just person is happier than the unjust. The discussion ranges from definitions of justice to the design of an ideal city-state ruled by philosopher-kings, exploring aging, love, the soul's immortality, and poetry's role in society along the way.