PARAPHRASE OF AVERROES ON the books of Plato’s Republic, which are speculative, and this is the second part of moral science, by Jacob Mantino, Hebrew Physician, Interpreter.

An ornate woodcut initial letter 'P' depicts interlaced vine and foliage patterns within a square frame.THE PURPOSE OF the present work is to summarize the matters which Plato explained by way of demonstration in his book on the Republic, while omitting those things that appear merely probable. Truly, in order to maintain the order of doctrine, it is necessary to begin with certain premises from which the doctrine itself will subsequently be handed down in a certain order. For Plato later placed this book among certain other books of this same science. Furthermore, we shall teach some things regarding the use of this science, its intent, and its parts.

It must therefore be said that this science, which is considered by all to be practical, differs from the contemplative sciences in its own right. This is manifest primarily from its subject matter, since it differs from the subject of any contemplative science, and the principles of this science are far removed from the principles of those. For the voluntary things themselves are the subject of this science, which, while we work