Susan B. Levin argues that Plato's engagement with medicine is richer than previously recognized and that he views it as an important rival for authority on nature and flourishing. Levin shows further that Plato's work, particularly the Laws, holds significant promise for bioethics that has so far been nearly untapped.
... a well-argued, intellectually challenging, and edifying work that is accessible to a wide range of readers. The fresh light that it shines upon the professional location of physicians within Laws' Magnesia is a particularly valuable contribution, made all the more so by Levin's arguments about how Plato eventually arrived at that point. Of no less importance, though, is Levin's demonstration of how the works of Plato -- and ancient thought more broadly -- can provide useful insights for exploring contemporary philosophical issues in productive ways. It is my opinion that Levin has achieved this here, and I look forward to seeing further discussion that the book promotes.