Statesman

This edition of Martin Ostwald's revised version of J. B. Skemp's 1952 translation of "Statesman" includes a new selected bibliography and Ostwald's interpretive introduction, tracing Plato's political philosophy from "Republic" to "Statesman" to "Laws."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2023
Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

This edition of Martin Ostwald's revised version of J. B. Skemp's 1952 translation of "Statesman" includes a new selected bibliography, as well as Ostwald's interpretive introduction, which traces the evolution in Plato's political philosophy from "Republic" to "Statesman" to "Laws" -- from philosopher-king to royal statesman.

Introduction:
Martin Ostwald's revised version of J. B. Skemp's 1952 translation of "Statesman" offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Plato's political philosophy. In this edition, Ostwald has included a new selected bibliography, providing valuable resources for further study. Additionally, his interpretive introduction offers a rich and detailed account of the evolution of Plato's political thought, from the ideal of philosopher-king in "Republic" to the more complex and nuanced portrayal of royal statesmanship in "Statesman" and "Laws."

Philosopher-King in "Republic":
In "Republic," Plato presents the concept of the philosopher-king as the ideal ruler. The philosopher-king is not motivated by personal gain or ambition but by a desire to serve the greater good. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of philosophy, ethics, and politics, and uses this knowledge to guide his actions and decisions. The philosopher-king is not subject to the whims of the people or the influence of powerful individuals, but instead relies on his wisdom and virtue to govern.

Evolution to Royal Statesmanship:
However, as Plato's political philosophy develops, he begins to question the feasibility of the philosopher-king model. In "Statesman," he introduces the idea of the mixed regime, which combines elements of democracy and aristocracy. The mixed regime allows for the participation of the people in decision-making, while still maintaining the authority and wisdom of the philosopher-king. In "Laws," Plato further explores the role of the royal statesman, emphasizing the importance of justice, moderation, and balance in governance.

Conclusion:
Ostwald's edition of "Statesman" is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying Plato's political philosophy. With its comprehensive bibliography and interpretive introduction, it provides a thorough and accessible account of Plato's development of political thought. By exploring the ideal of philosopher-king in "Republic" and the evolution to royal statesmanship in "Statesman" and "Laws," Ostwald's edition sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Plato's political philosophy and its enduring relevance to contemporary discussions about governance and political theory.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780872201385