The Transformation of Plato's Republic

Dorter…emphasizes the overarching unity of Plato”s text through a close and often painstaking analysis of its individual sections, devoting special attention to parts where it seems to shift arbitrarily and abruptly from one topic to another. — Daniel B. Gallagher

Dorter”s impressive study of Plato”s Republic is a comprehensive treatment of the dialogue from beginning to end and helps to resolve vexing and apparently intractable internal contradictions within the dialogue. Dorter argues that Plato often begins with simple models in order to explore them and then transforms them into far more complex and subtle analyses. The attention to the inner development of the argument enables the author to bring to light the dynamic and, ultimately, coherent structure of the work as a whole. The jury commends the book as one of the most significant contributions to Plato”s Republic in recent years. It has high praise for Dorter”s engaging narrative, which remains centred on the important human questions at stake and in doing so provides a richly rewarding study..

Dorter”s impressive study of Plato”s Republic is a comprehensive treatment of the dialogue from beginning to end and helps to resolve vexing and apparently intractable internal contradictions within the dialogue. Dorter argues that Plato often begins with simple models in order to explore them and then transforms them into far more complex and subtle analyses. The attention to the inner development of the argument enables the author to bring to light the dynamic and, ultimately, coherent structure of the work as a whole.The jury commends the book as one of the most significant contributions to Plato”s Republic in recent years. It has high praise for Dorter”s engaging narrative, which remains centred on the important human questions at stake and in doing so provides a richly rewarding study.