In “Plato’s Second Republic”, Andre Laks argues that the “Laws,” Plato’s last and longest dialogue, is also his most important political work, surpassing the “Republic” in historical relevance.

Laks offers a thorough reappraisal of this less renowned text, and examines how it provides a critical foundation for the principles of lawmaking.

In doing so, he makes clear the tremendous impact the “Laws” had not only on political philosophy, but also on modern political history.

Laks shows how the four central ideas in the “Laws” — the corruptibility of unchecked power, the rule of law, a “middle” constitution.