Modern Philosopher Kings - (Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory and Intellectual History) by Haig Patapan

About the Book

Explores modern attempts to resolve the enduring question of the philosopher king - whether it is possible to combine wisdom and power to secure justice

Book 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.

From the Back Cover

Examines the paradox of the philosopher king as an ambitious modern project Socrates presented the philosopher king as both a perplexing innovation and a political aspiration, creating a fascinating philosophical puzzle and an enticing political challenge that endures today. Through a series of diverse studies, ranging from the prophet, intellectual, artist, advisor, scientist and 'the people', this book explores contemporary attempts to combine wisdom and power to secure justice. Haig Patapan provides a contextual analysis of whether and how philosophy and politics can be mutually salutary, revealing the extent to which wisdom can be empowered and power ennobled. Haig Patapan is Professor in the School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University.

Review Quotes

Haig Patapan's book proposes a learned and original approach to the notion of power analysed in conjunction with wisdom, and adds ground-breaking scholarship to the fields of both political theory and comparative philosophy.--Francesco Borghesi, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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.