The Philosopher and the Tyrant

Harvard FAS

In a time of rising authoritarianism and polarized debate, what role can the love of wisdom have in tempering the pursuit of power?Philosophers and politicians alike struggle to set the terms for living a good life in a world of conflict. Rulers seek guidance from their counselors, and philosophers have often dreamed of wielding real-world influence. Reading a series of masterpieces of philosophical thought and literary expression, we will examine some striking cases of relations between the…