Plato's "Laws": The Discovery of Being

Platos' Laws is his most difficult work, providing practical guidelines for political order. Seth Benardete's analysis of the twelve books reveals Plato's major themes and arguments, including the role of music in mediating between reason and the city. Benardete also uncovers the works' ontological dimension, contributing to Platonic studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Plato's Laws, his intricate and profound final work, stands as a testament to his intellectual prowess. Spanning a considerable length, it represents one of his most challenging endeavors. Unlike the abstract ideal presented in the Republic, the Laws appears to offer practical directives for establishing and sustaining political order in the realm of reality. Classical scholar Seth Benardete delves into a comprehensive analysis of the twelve books of the Laws, shedding light on Plato's central themes and arguments concerning theology, the soul, justice, and education.

Most notably, Benardete demonstrates how music, in its broadest sense, including drama, epic poetry, and even puppetry, serves as a mediator between reason and the city in Plato's philosophy of law. By uncovering the hidden ontological dimension of Plato's works, Benardete elucidates the reasons behind its concealment and provides insights into how it can be brought to light. In his significant contribution to Platonic studies, Benardete establishes the coherence and underlying structure of Plato's last dialogue, making a lasting impact on the field.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226826424