Tyranny as a potential danger of political life was recognized from the beginning of the Western tradition, in the Bible as well as the classical political philosophy of Plato, Xenophon, and Aristotle. What is the nature of a tyrannical regime and a tyrannical soul? What sorts of strategic responses are available to those confronted with a tyrant’s power? This course seeks to address such questions by studying the Book of Esther, Plato’s Republic, and Xenophon’s Hiero, all of which examine the nature of despotism.

 

 

 

Sample readings:

  • Excerpts from The Book of Esther
  • Excerpts from Plato, Republic IX
  • Excerpts from Xenophon, Hiero