Plato's Second Republic

<p><b>An argument for why Plato's <i>Laws</i> can be considered his most important political dialogue</b> <p/>In <i>Plato's Second Republic </i> André Laks argues that the <i>Laws</i> Plato's last and longest dialogue is also his most important political work surpassing the <i>Republic </i>in historical relevance. Laks offers a thorough reappraisal of this less renowned text and examines how it provides a critical foundation for the principles of lawmaking. In doing so he makes clear the tremendous impact the <i>Laws</i> had not only on political philosophy but also on modern political history. <p/>Laks shows how the four central ideas in the <i>Laws</i>--the corruptibility of unchecked power the rule of law a middle constitution and the political necessity of legislative preambles--are articulated within an intricate and masterful literary architecture. He reveals how the work develops a theological conception of law anchored in political ideas about a god divine reason that is the measure of political order. Laks's reading opens a complex analysis of the relationships between rulers and citizens; their roles in a political system; the power of reason and persuasion as opposed to force in commanding obedience; and the place of freedom. <p/><i>Plato's Second Republic</i> presents a sophisticated reevaluation of a philosophical work that has exerted an enormous if often hidden influence even into the present day.</p>