The Republic

Context:

Quoted directly regarding Plato's view that when studying astronomy, one should 'approach it as we approach geometry by way of working out problems and ignore what's in the sky' - used to illustrate how Greeks prioritized theory over experiment.

Context:

Referenced near the end of the episode when Tom Holland discusses how Plato's concept of philosopher kings from the Republic connects to Graham Hancock's thesis about wise survivors spreading civilization. Holland argues that Hancock's idea of 'nautical philosopher kings' scattering the seeds of civilization is actually quite Platonic in spirit.

Context:

Explicitly mentioned as 'the most famous text that Plato writes about this question is called The Republic' - discussed as Plato's work on ideal forms of government