Political Thought: Plato [Presentation Thursdays]

There's no better place to get started with Political Thought than the Ancient Greeks, and thus with Plato's Republic.

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Plato was the one who articulated the notion of a "philosopher-king" as an ideal ruler, which few people would object to. Yet his notion of an ideal form of government is always an eye-opener. I distinctly remember discussing this with students each semester, who would agree with the premises -- specialization of functions, concern for the common welfare of society -- but then be flabbergasted at how Plato would jump from those principles to the idea of a seemingly harsh and communal type of state.

Suffice it to say this lecture always got their attention, and I would like to think got more than a few of them interested enough to stick with the course for the rest of the semester.

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