Season 4, Episode 11: James Romm, Plato and the Tyrant

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Jul 8, 2025

Join classicist and historian James Romm from Bard College as he delves into Plato's dramatic political journey in Syracuse. Discover how Plato's attempts to transform the tyrant Dionysius into a philosopher-king influenced his writings, especially The Republic. Romm discusses the chaos of Syracuse amid the Peloponnesian War and the philosophical quest for justice and virtuous leadership. The conversation highlights the tension between ideals and political reality, making ancient lessons relevant for today's governance.

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INSIGHT

Plato's Political Engagement Shapes Philosophy

Plato actively engaged in real politics in Syracuse, not just theoretical philosophy.
His political experiences deeply shaped his writing of The Republic and The Laws.

INSIGHT

Syracuse: Greek Power After War

Syracuse, a powerful Greek city-state in Sicily, had risen after the Peloponnesian War weakened mainland Greece.
Plato saw it as an opportunity for political reform with a ruler holding absolute power.

INSIGHT

Justice in City and Soul

Plato's Republic explores the nature of justice by constructing an ideal city ruled by philosopher-kings.
Justice in the city parallels justice in the individual soul, leading to ultimate happiness.

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Join Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Professor James Romm, classicist and historian at Bard College, for a captivating discussion on one of the most dramatic and fascinating political experiments of the ancient world: Plato’s involvement with power politics in Syracuse (Siracusa). Drawing on Romm’s newest book, Plato and the Tyrant, Sachs and Romm explore the extraordinary story of how the great philosopher Plato attempted over the course of three decades to bring philosophy into the heart of government.

Together, they delve into Plato’s journey to the court of the autocratic ruler Dionysius in ancient Syracuse, where he hoped to transform a tyrant into a philosopher-king. They discuss the political turmoil that unfolded, Plato’s close relationship with the philosophically minded Dion, and how Plato’s experiences deeply shaped his writing of The Republic. Romm reveals how Plato’s real-world political experiences ultimately informed his later, more sober work The Laws, and how these texts reflect a lifelong quest to define justice, leadership, and the possibility of a virtuous society.

This episode offers listeners a rich narrative of political intrigue, philosophical ambition, and the enduring relevance of Plato’s quest to unite ethics and power - an ancient story with striking implications for our world today.

The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.

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