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Philosopher-Kings of Antiquity, Paperback / softback Book

Philosopher-Kings of Antiquity Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

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Description

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'; Moses, Solomon and early Hebrew leaders; and Julian the Apostate, the last of the pagans.

In conclusion it looks at the re-emergence of the Platonic ideal in important moments of European history, such as the Enlightenment.

The theme of the philosopher-king is significant for Greco-Roman antiquity as a whole, and this work is unique in detailing the development of an idea through major periods of Greek and Roman history, and beyond.

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