By adding the beginning of the State to the collection of selected writings of Plato, I hope to provide new inspiration for engaging with this significant work. It is a self-contained whole that does not require prior knowledge of Platonic philosophy, particularly the theory of ideas.

Among the participants in the dialogue, three groups can be distinguished. The first group is centered around Socrates, the second around Cephalus, and the third around Thrasymachus. Adeimantus and Glaucon are closely related to Socrates, Cephalus has his sons Polemarchus, Lysias, and Euthydemus, while Thrasymachus is associated with Charmantides and Cleitophon. Socrates is portrayed in the first book of the State as vividly and, seemingly, historically accurately. His high reputation due to his wisdom is evident from the behavior of the venerable old man Cephalus towards him. Cephalus desires his company for himself and his sons; in the conversation with him, Socrates manages to draw out significant aspects of all matters.

The Verlag der Wissenschaften publishes historical literature by both well-known and lesser-known scientific authors. This makes works that have long been out of print accessible again to interested readers. The present book is an unaltered reprint of the historical original edition from 1893.