Andrew Fiala is a respected professor of ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of religion, and nonviolence and pacifism. He is director the Center for Ethics at California State University, Fresno, and is a frequent contributor to the Fresno Bee newspaper.
Description
Preface
Chapter 1: From Trump to Plato and Back Again
Chapter 2: Tyranny as a Theological Problem
Chapter 3: The Tragic Trio and the Midwife Who Enlightens
Chapter 4: Political Tragedy and Historical Wisdom
Chapter 5: The Tyrant’s Pride: On Ambition, Power, and Greatness
Chapter 6: The Fool’s Stupidity: On Willful and Vicious Ignorance
Chapter 7: The Sycophant’s Complicity: On Cunning, Flattery, and the Trojan Horse
Chapter 8: Wisdom, Vigilance, and The Citizen-Philosopher
Chapter 9: The Constitution of Wisdom
Chapter 10: The Mirror of Philosophy
Appendix 1: Trump’s View of Morality in Context
Appendix 2: Cast of Characters and Key Events
Reviews
It is always heartening when a classicist applies the lessons of ancient political thought to the contemporary world; there is much to be learned. Fiala points to the ancient critique of tyranny, especially as found in Plato’s Republic, and shows how frighteningly relevant it is to the Trump phenomenon…. This book draws timely lessons from the ancients and leaves open questions we must grapple with. Highly recommended. Undergraduates and general readers.
— Choice Reviews
Tyranny is an important phenomenon, well worthy of historical and philosophical study. Andrew Fiala has made a fine beginning on this enduring problem not only in politics but in the recesses of every human soul.
— Carl Richards
Well-written and striking, this book was hard to stop reading. It provides a systematic lens through which to understand our present moment.
— Jennifer Kling