This paper begins with Plato's biography. It examines how the privileges of class and education may have affected his views
regarding the various social roles he assigned. It also studies his relationship with the great philosopher, Socrates, to whom Plato owes a great intellectual debt. The paper then focuses on "The Republic" itself. This section is divided into four parts. First, there is a
discussion of the Socratic style that Plato used to write the "Republic". Second is a discussion of the Plato's concept of the tripartite soul. Based on this, the paper then details the various roles Plato prescribed for various souls, guardians, auxiliary/military staff, and the producers. The last part of this section is a discussion of Plato's concepts of
political justice and happiness and his view of the human condition. Next, the paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Plato's formulation and explores how Plato's thought continues to have political relevance today.