The Philosopher's Role in Government

From Utopia by Thomas More
The debate between More and Raphael about whether a wise philosopher should serve at court, echoing Plato's philosopher-king while questioning its practicality in corrupt courts.
Book I, debate on serving princes

Raphael refuses court service, arguing truth has no place among flatterers; More counters with 'indirect' philosophy that adapts to circumstances.

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Book I, reference to Plato's Republic

Raphael invokes Plato's dictum that commonwealths will be happy only when philosophers are kings or kings philosophers.

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