The distinctive aim of Philosopher-Kings is to show, by giving a rational reconstruction of its overall argument, that the Republic is not the flawed patchwork it is usually made out to be by interpreters, but a deeply consistent and systematic work, which raises fundamental problems for philosophy and develops powerful and probing solutions to them. The book's central innovative thesis is that Plato's psychology, more specifically his theory of desires, holds the key to this, his most ambitious work.

Princeton University Press, 1989.
ISBN: 9780691073262. 350 pp.
Hardcover. Fine in a fine jacket.