Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
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.
Plato
Plato (approx. 424-327 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is commonly regarded as the centermost figure of Western philosophy. During the Classical period of Ancient Greece, he was based in Athens where he founded his own academy and created the Platonist school of thought. Plato's writings touched on a wide range of subjects, including science, human nature, love, sexuality, and metaphysics. He was particularly interested in reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable, writing at length about the dual natures of perception and reality, nature and custom, and body and soul. His works and ideals are among the most influential in Western history, commanding interest, and challenging readers of every era to question their reality and live as paragons of justice and virtue.
More by Plato
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →