To Plato for a Teaching on Justice and Dignity

Abstract: To Plato for a Teaching on Justice and Dignity.

Marek Piechowiak’s book Plato’s Conception of Justice and the Question of Human Dignity is the first comprehensive study of Plato’s conception of justice. It shows that Plato already referred to something we today call “dignity” and made it the foundation of his conception of justice. In Piechowiak’s interpretation Plato is far from any form of totalitarianism, he praises human freedom, he cherishes the visible universe and the concrete human being. Justice is shown to be crucial for understanding the individual and his relationship with the state and law. This book proves that Plato’s philosophy is strikingly contemporary and may provide foundations for modern-day human rights protection.