Minos

ebook What Is Law?--Plato's Fragmentary Dialogue on Justice and Political Philosophy · The Library of Alexandria

By Plato

cover image of Minos

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What if true law wasn't written in books-but woven into the fabric of reality itself?

In Minos, Plato delivers a compelling, compact exploration of legal philosophy, confronting one of society's oldest questions: What is law? Is it a collection of rules decided by men-or a reflection of something absolute and divine? Through a Socratic conversation with a curious companion, the dialogue moves from definitions to deeper implications, questioning whether human laws can ever truly capture what is just.

Though fragmentary, Minos reveals the foundations of Plato's later, more developed political theories. This modern translation revives the text with clarity and accessibility, allowing readers to grasp the timeless struggle between custom and truth, state power and ethical responsibility.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

  • A Deep Questioning of Legal Authority - Explore the idea that law should reflect eternal truths, not just popular consensus.
  • Socrates at His Most Radical - Watch as he challenges the idea that civic law is always right simply because it is enacted.
  • A Rare Fragment in Plato's Canon - Engage with one of his most provocative introductions to political philosophy.
  • Modern Clarity for Contemporary Debates - An accessible adaptation that speaks to today's legal, political, and ethical concerns.
  • Reflections on Justice, Culture, and Power - Discover how law can shape-or distort-human flourishing and truth.
  • If you've ever wondered whether laws create justice or merely maintain order, Minos will push you to question everything we take for granted about authority, morality, and the state.

    Minos