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That hot new neoconservative philosopher named Plato
The author of a new book about Plato's "Republic" explains how ancient Greek philosophy became dangerous in the hands of the Bush administration.
By Alex Koppelman [2007-06-25]

  • Elitists of all stripes can appropriate Plato

    While Blackburn persuasively argues that the perverse idealism of the neocons has roots in Plato's Republic, was I the only Democrat following the 2004 elections marvelling at the stupidity of 51% of the electorate and implicitly pining for an era of the philosopher kings, who ruled benevolently but resolutely over the dimwitted masses?

    The point is that we're all tempted by the idealism of The Republic. Blackburn's right: Aristotle's proto-pragmatism is too boring for us, conservative or liberal.

    -- jordon
    [Read jordon's other letters]
    Sunday, June 24, 2007 07:15 PM
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