Action and policy in the Republic of Plato

Abstract

I attempt to sketch important aspects of Plato's political theory related to his concept of rationality in the Republic. I will discuss two issues on this matter. First, I will explain how the knowledge of the idea of the good contributes to the State, placing in this context Plato's view on the relationship between virtues and political life, education and power, individuals and State. Here, I will also refer to topics as legitimacy of power, political agreement as well as sources of normativity. Second, I will consider Plato's political thought in relation to certain challenges to limits and problems of modern politics and contemporary liberalism as well.