Book

Plato as critical theorist

Thakkar, Jonny, 1982- author

Overview

Is there any point in thinking about the best possible society? Over the last decade or so, a number of political philosophers have argued that such \"ideal theory\" is a dangerous distraction from the concrete power struggles that make up \"real politics.\" Jonny Thakkar takes a different view, arguing that each and every one of us has a duty to engage in ideal theory. To make that case he turns to Plato's Republic, which depicts an ideal society within which ideal theory itself plays a vital role, thanks to the institution of philosopher-kings. The first half of the book offers a careful but creative reading of the notion of rule by philosophers. The second half of the book argues that in today's liberal democracies what we need is not philosopher-kings but philosopher-citizens--citizens who reflect, both individually and together, on how they could work together to produce an environment conducive to flourishing. Plato as Critical Theorist argues that the notion of philosopher-citizens is not only compatible with Rawlsian political liberalism, but an advance on it.-- Provided by publisher

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Subject: Plato. / Philosopher-kings. / Political ethics. / Liberalism. / Political participation. / Platonists.
• ISBN: 9780674971769

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Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
B398.P45 T43 2018	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE