Philosopher-kings of antiquity: lives of an ideal

Abstract

One of the most celebrated of Plato''s ideas was that if human society was ever to function successfully then philosophers would need to become kings, or kings philosophers. In a perfect state, therefore, philosophic wisdom should be wedded to political power. In antiquity, who were or aspired to be philosopher-kings? What was their understanding of wisdom and the limits of knowledge? What influence have they had on periods beyond antiquity? This volume focuses on Plato and his contemporaries Alexander the Great and his Hellenistic successors Marcus Aurelius and the ''good emperors'' Mose. One of the most celebrated of Plato's ideas was that if human society was ever to function successfully then philosophers would need to become kings, or kings philosophers. In a perfect state, therefore, philosophic wisdom should be wedded to political power. This volume focuses on Plato and his contemporaries.