Modern Philosopher Kings

The conclusion shows how the detailed exploration of paradox and promise of the philosopher king in modernity reveals valuable insights into the relationship between wisdom and power. It outlines how ambitious attempts to instantiate modern philosopher kings have met significant obstacles, indicating that though politics is open to wisdom and philosophy, there are also powerful elements within it resistant to such a union. Though each case study has revealed the success and specific forms of such resistance, the overarching factors that appear to limit the philosopher king are the brevity of a wise person’s life, the unpredictability of chance, and the very constitution of humanity, where a few are philosophical, while most are moved by a diversity of interests derived or shaped largely by a powerful sense of dignity and concern with physical welfare. The chapter then explores whether it may be possible to address these limitations through other means. It suggests that philosophers as authors, where writing is a form of political rule, either in foundational philosophical works or in the enactment of laws and constitutions that defend and accommodate wisdom, provides the more long-lasting means for securing modern philosopher kings.