How can citizens be persuaded to voluntarily obey good laws? Randall Baldwin Clark addresses this question by looking at one of the oldest works ever to pose it: Plato's Laws. The Law Most Beautiful and Best explores one of the most striking metaphors in the Laws: the suggestion that the gentle and persuasive bedside manner that characterizes rational medicine should serve as the model for political persuasion. Clark's careful reading of the Laws challenges traditional interpretations of this metaphor, emphasizing instead the way the dialogue subtly reasserts the efficacy of the magical arts. Just as the Athenian stranger treats his patients with a combination of rational and irrational therapies, so too must the philosophical reader-should he wish to preserve his city's health-be willing to avail himself of both the gentle persuasion of reasoned discourse and the enchanting coercion of irrational rhetoric. Both a close examination of the Laws and a thoughtful approach to an ageless political dilemma, The Law Most Beautiful and Best is essential reading for scholars interested in jurisprudence, classics, rhetoric, and political science.

About the Author
Randall Baldwin Clark holds a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Chicago and a law degree from the University of Virginia. Following a year's service in the chambers of the Hon. Edith H. Jones, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and three years in private practice, Mr. Clark returned to the academy, teaching at the George Mason University School of Law and the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Reviews
Randall Clark's wonderful analysis of the Laws illuminates the perennial tensions between statesmanship and the rule of law by exploring Plato's emphasis on the need-more important today than ever before-to link the arts of medicine and politics by balancing science, prudence, and persuasion. His exegesis has much to offer even to political theorists not familiar with Plato. -- Roger Masters, Dartmouth College
How can statesmen influence citizens to take necessary but bitter medicine? With an impressive understanding of the variety of ancient Greek medical practices, Clark engages and provokes the reader with his account of the Platonic use of medical imagery to explore the power and limits of rationality in political life. -- Christopher Kelly, Boston College
Clark bringing to bear the eye of an experienced lawyer offers refreshing insight and clarity to our understanding of the Laws. At the same time, he is well informed and rigorous in his scholarship, especially his knowledge of medical lore. This stimulating book would make valuable reading in an advanced course in political philosophy. It is highly recommended. * The Classical Outlook *
The Law Most Beautiful and Best makes a distinctive contribution to the literature on Platonic political philosophy..." * Law and Politics Book Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780739141472
Author Randall Baldwin Clark
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 297g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 17mm