Modern Philosopher Kings: Wisdom and Power in Politics (Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory and Intellectual History) - Softcover

Patapan, Haig

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1399508784 ISBN 13: 9781399508780

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2024

Synopsis

Can wisdom and power, philosophy and politics be combined to secure justice? Or are there formidable tensions, even antagonism between them? Socrates presented the philosopher king as an aspiration, a remedy for the ills of the world. He also called it a paradox, a challenging and perplexing innovation. Ever since, the philosopher king has been an enduring and fascinating question as well as a political aspiration. Modern Philosopher Kings examines the philosopher king as a paradox and an ambitious modern project. Through a series of diverse studies ranging from the prophet, intellectual, artist, advisor, scientist and ‘the people’ it examines modern attempts to unite wisdom and power. In doing so it reveals the different ways and the extent to which wisdom can be empowered and power ennobled.

About this title

About the Author

Haig Patapan is a Professor in the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University. His research examines the theory and practice of democracy. He is the author of Modern Philosopher Kings (EUP 2023).

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1399508784
• ISBN 13: 9781399508780
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216