The Republic (dialogue of Plato)

The Republic is a Socratic dialogue by the Greek philosopher Plato, where Socrates conducts a discussion as to the nature of justice, which is illustrated with reference to an imaginary city State - the Republic of the title. The Republic is one of a number of texts which allow us to see Plato's ethical and political positions, albeit through the figure of Socrates.

The dialogue starts with Socrates discussing the matter of justice with Cephalus. He is eventually challenged by Thrasymachus, who suggests that there is no link between the good life and justice.