The Laws [Paperback]

InThe Laws, Plato describes in fascinating detail a comprehensive system of legislation in a small agricultural utopia he named Magnesia. His laws not only govern crime and punishment, but also form a code of conduct for all aspects of life in his ideal state—from education, sport and religion to sexual behaviour, marriage and drinking parties. Plato sets out a plan for the day-to-day rule of Magnesia, administered by citizens and elected officials, with supreme power held by a Council. Although Plato's views that citizens should act in complete obedience to the law have been read as totalitarian,The Lawsnonetheless constitutes a highly impressive programme for the reform of society and provides a crucial insight into the mind of one of Classical Greece's foremost thinkers.

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Acknowledgments

Introduction
Utopianism
Plato's Life and Work
Plato's Political Thought
TheRepublic
TheStatesman
TheLaws
The Relationship Between theRepublicand theLaws
Magnesia: the New Utopia
a. Size and Situation
b. Population and Occupations
c. Education
d. Religion
e. Law
f. Government and Administration
Plato and Totalitarianism
The Modern Reaction to Plato
Composition and Structure of theLaws: Summary
Further ReadingNote on the Translation

The Laws

1. The Inadequacy of Spartan and Cretan Legislation

Introductory ConverslS6