22nd Annual Student Research Conference
John Jay, American Philosopher King: Understanding Plato's Republic through the United States Supreme Court
David M. Mohl
Dr. Patricia Burton, Faculty Mentor
For more than two millennia, scholars have debated and disagreed over the meaning and implications of Plato's Republic. While one might suspect the work has limited value in the 21st century, the issues of justice, power, and governance remain the cornerstone of political philosophy. By using the parallel of America's first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, one may understand Plato's work in a uniquely American context. Through careful comparison of Plato to American Federalists, it is clear that we have had Philosopher Kings in our courts all along.
Keywords: Plato, John Jay, Federalist, Tocqueville, Supreme Court
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
Political Science
Classics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 26-1
Location: VH 1424
Time: 9:45