24 - Plato's Republic 8: The Philosopher Kings

Good in Theory: A Political Philosophy Podcast

English - March 29, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB
Philosophy Society & Culture Education philosophy political theory history politics plato political philosophy aristotle history of ideas political thought theory Homepage Download Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Previous Episode: 23 - Plato’s Republic 7: Socratic Family Values

Next Episode: 25 - Thought Lab 2: Tainted Art and Moral Luck

This book covers parts of books 5-6 of Plato’s Republic.

Who should rule the city in speech? Philosophers of course! In this episode, Socrates explains his most famous political proposal: philosopher kings. He wants the leaders to be smart and capable and virtuous. And charming and good-looking. Is that too much to ask?

In a democracy, it is. Socrates doesn't just say what good leaders look like he also says why democracies will never have one. Who’s to blame for bad democratic politics? Is it corrupt politicians or an ignorant majority? Yes!

Credits:
Adeimantus: Rebecca Amzallag
Glaucon: Zachary Amzallag
Ancient music: Michael Levy
Intro theme: Clayton Tapp
Outro: David Zikovitz
Episode art and editing: Sep

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