VIII—The Best City in Plato’s <i>Republic</i>: Is It possible?

Abstract This paper argues that there are three distinct senses of possibility at play in the Republic’s discussion whether best city is possible: natural possibility, for existing cities, and ideal possibility. It argued Socrates makes different claims about each political proposals Book v. (1) Women guardians to be naturally possible. (2) considers it an open question common family (the so-called ‘community women children’) He argues, however, ideally (3) The philosopher-king claimed possible strongest sense: not only possible, also cities. this reason clarifies sense which best.