Freedom, Reason, and the Polis

What is the nature of law? Does our obligation to obey the law extend to unjust laws? From what source do lawmakers derive legitimate authority? What principles should guide us in the design of political institutions? These essays by prominent contemporary philosophers explore how these questions were addressed by ancient political thinkers. Classical theories of human nature and their implications for political theory are examined, as is the meaning of freedom and coercion in Plato´s thought and his idea that philosophers should be political rulers. Other essays ask what we can learn from ancient thinkers like Aristotle about the principles of constitutional design or the limits of political obligation.

Contents
1. Nomos and Phusis in Democritus and Plato C. C. W. Taylor; 2. Forcing goodness in Plato´s Republic Christopher Shields; 3. Ascent and descent: the philosopher´s regret Allan Silverman; Gerasimos Santas Plato´s criticisms of democracy in the Republic Gerasimos Santas; 4. The rule of reason in Plato´s Statesman and the American Federalist Fred D. Miller, Jr.; 5. Freedom, liberality, and liberty in Plato´s Laws André Laks; 6. Why should philosophers rule?; 7. Plato´s Republic and Aristotle´s Protrepticus Christopher Bobonich; 8. Aristotle on the mixed constitution and its relevance for American political thought Carrie-Ann Biondi; 9. Nature in Aristotle´s ethics and politics Richard Kraut; 10. The good man and the upright citizen in Aristotle´s ethics and politics David Keyt; 11. Stoic communitarianism and normative citizenship Anthony A. Long; 12. The classical roots of radical individualism Roderick T. Long.