Book V

Socrates's friends interrupt him, demanding he explain his idea of holding women and children in common.

Socrates argues that female guardians should share men's duties and education, despite potential ridicule and apparent contradictions.

Socrates argues that the natural differences between men and women do not justify different educations or roles in the state.

Socrates refutes the "different natures" argument and, having passed that "first wave," introduces the community of wives and children.

Socrates explains the rules for mating ages and determining kinship, arguing this system creates the greatest good for a state: unity.

The guardians will be free from lawsuits and household cares, living a blessed life greater than that of Olympic victors.

Socrates discusses the practicality of the community in wartime, including training children as observers and honoring heroic soldiers.

Socrates outlines rules of war, arguing that conflicts between Hellenes are civil discord and should be fought with a view to reconciliation.

Pressed on the state's possibility, Socrates introduces his "great wave": cities will have no rest from evil until philosophers become kings.

Socrates distinguishes true philosophers from mere lovers of sights, connecting knowledge with being and opinion with what-is-and-is-not.

A commentary notes Book V's new beginning, its wave imagery, and several practical difficulties in the communistic proposals.

The commentary discusses Plato's depiction of the philosopher and his introduction of contingent matter to distinguish opinion from knowledge.