The Republic is considered Plato’s masterpiece--the culmination of his efforts to create a complete philosophy of man. In these provocative and enjoyable dialogues, Socrates and various Athenian dignitaries discuss the true meaning of justice; debate "Whether the just man is happier than an unjust man”; and consider the nature of the ideal State. This edition was abridged by Thomas Taylor, the greatest of the many translators to tackle this seminal work.