Plato's The Republic (c. 380 BCE) is a dialogue where Socrates and his interlocutors delve into justice, the human soul, and the ideal society. Through intricate scenes, discussions, metaphors, and arguments, it defines the virtues of a just person and government, explores the relationship between the citizen and the city, and considers its impact on philosophy, politics, ethics, and art. Ultimately, Plato argues that living morally is good for its own sake.
Plato (428-348 BCE), a philosopher and mathematician during the Greek classical period, was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. He wrote over 30 dialogues on subjects like love, knowledge, ethics, politics, metaphysics, and theology. His Academy was one of the first institutions of higher learning, earning him the title of the father of modern philosophy.