The Republic

Plato recounts a series of dialogues between Socrates and three different characters which cover an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community and the ideal individual within it. During the conversation, other questions are raised: what is goodness?; what is reality?; and what is knowledge?

Other topics covered as the conversation encompases the various aspects of what makes a city include "What is goodness?", "What is reality?", and "What is knowledge?". It also covers the role of women in this hypothetical society, and the role of men and women as the guardians of this society.

The idea that a republic should be ruled by Philosopher Kings, and not royalty or the most savage warriors, is planted here. A notion rumored to be one of the reasons for the charges levied against Socrates which eventually resulted in his execution by suicide.