In narrative style,
Plato and the Founding of the Academy
illustrates how the dialogue usually known as the
Republic
(but which Plato called the
Polity
) is constructed on the basis of simple but technical mathematical and harmonical principles, or numbers. These numbers clarify the structure and unity of Plato's most famous dialogue and offer new insights into its philosophical content, therapeutic intent, and its relation to the founding of the Academy. The author thoroughly explains the process of Plato's composition thus revealing the intent in the founding of his academy.