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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. 

Want to hear more on this topic?

Here’s the whole episode from A History of Ideas – Philosopher Angie Hobbs on Plato's Philosopher Kings.

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