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A History of Ideas: Plato's Philosopher Kings
Aidan Turner on Plato's Philosopher Kings
Is Democracy such a good way of deciding how to run a state? Plato said ‘no’. He felt that since the democratic process was open to being little more than a beauty contest, it’s not possible to guarantee that the most able will get to rule. No, what we need are experts who’ve been specifically trained to rule justly. He felt that Philosopher Kings were the answer. And, given what Democracy has produced in recent years, maybe it’s not such a crazy notion after all.
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Here’s the whole episode from A History of Ideas – Philosopher Angie Hobbs on Plato's Philosopher Kings.
How do we achieve social harmony? For Chinese philosopher Confucius this was through recognizing hierarchies and honouring our elders.
Given a free market, individuals making self-interested decisions will unwittingly create an effective economic system that’s in the public interest. So thought Adam Smith.
Is Democracy such a good way of deciding how to run a state? Plato said ‘no’.
Could you change your belief if threatened with torture? Or would you merely be saying that you’d changed, when deep down you still held your original belief?