Plato's conception of justice and the question of human dignity

In this first comprehensive study of Plato's conception of justice, the recognition of human dignity plays a crucial role for understanding the individual in relation to the law and state. Plato's philosophy turns out to provide foundations for modern-day human rights protection rather than for totalitarian approaches.

Dignity as a fundamental value in law and Plato on dignity in the Timaeus – The Republic as a dialogue on the individual and justice in the model of the state as a phantom of justice – Justice and freedom – Equality and friendship as an aim of law – An individual as an object of love – Just actions over contemplation – The story of community of wives and testing wisdom and courage of readers of the Republic