Plato, Utilitarianism and Education

Three lines of argument are central to this book: that Plato's views as expounded in the Republic indicate that he was a utilitarian; that utilitarianism is the only acceptable ethical theory; that these conclusions have significant repercussions for education.

Throughout the book, the exposition of utilitarianism and the interpretation of the Republic are closely linked, and Dr Barrow is particularly concerned to defend Plato against the criticisms of K. R. Popper, Bertrand Russell and R. H. S. Crossman - the 'liberal-democrats', as he calls them.