The aim of this dissertation is to gain a better understanding —both historical and philosophical— of Plato’s views on early ethical education in the Republic. The dissertation is shaped by the main debate to identify the primary target or beneficiary of this education, namely that element or part of the soul that explains the achievements of this training. The standard view identifies the soul’s spirited element as the primary target. This view is rejected: it threatens the psychic integrity of the spirited part in multiple ways. This dissertation argues for the original thesis that this education involves acquiring a rational account or understanding of laws and law-inculcated judgements. If this is correct, then the primary target or beneficiary of ethical training must be the soul’s rational part