| Description |
1 online resource (xii, 373 pages) |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Description |
text file |
| Summary |
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 |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
What is philosophy for? -- Why philosophers should rule -- The beautiful city -- Plato and Athens -- Historical possibility -- Philosopher-citizens -- Plato as critical theorist. |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Plato. Republic.
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Republic (Plato) |
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Philosopher-kings.
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Philosopher-kings. |
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Political ethics.
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Political ethics. |
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Liberalism.
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Liberalism. |
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Political participation.
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Political participation. |
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Platonists.
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Free enterprise.
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Platonists. |
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liberalism. |
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Free enterprise. |
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POLITICAL SCIENCE -- General. |
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PHILOSOPHY / Political. |
| Other Form: |
Print version: Thakkar, Jonny, 1982- Plato as critical theorist. Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2018 9780674971769 (DLC) 2017045234 (OCoLC)1002820244 |
| ISBN |
9780674919624 (electronic book) |
|
0674919629 (electronic book) |
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9780674971769 |
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0674971760 |
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