
Modern Philosopher Kings
Wisdom and Power in Politics
Haig Patapan(Author)
Edinburgh University Press
Published on 28. February 2023
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-1-3995-0877-3 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Reviews / Votes
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, Universita di Modena e Reggio EmiliaMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
513 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3995-0877-3 (9781399508773)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2023
1st Edition
Edinburgh University Press
€112.99
Available for download

E-Book
02/2023
1st Edition
Edinburgh University Press
€112.99
Available for download
Person
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. He is the author of Modern Philosopher Kings (EUP 2023).
Content
Introduction: Between Wisdom and Power
Chapter 1: Paradox of the Philosopher King
Chapter 2: Prophets, Popes and Princes
Chapter 3: The Public Intellectual
Chapter 4: The Artist as Creator
Chapter 5: The Hidden Philosopher King
Chapter 6: The Scientist as Modern Benefactor
Chapter 7: The Wise and Sovereign People
Conclusion: Modern Philosopher Kings
References
Index
Chapter 1: Paradox of the Philosopher King
Chapter 2: Prophets, Popes and Princes
Chapter 3: The Public Intellectual
Chapter 4: The Artist as Creator
Chapter 5: The Hidden Philosopher King
Chapter 6: The Scientist as Modern Benefactor
Chapter 7: The Wise and Sovereign People
Conclusion: Modern Philosopher Kings
References
Index