New Books Network “Plato and the Tyrant” with author James Romm
Sep 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, James Romm, the James H. Ottaway Jr. Professor of Classics at Bard College, delves into Plato's complex relationship with the tyrants of Syracuse. He reveals how Plato's encounters with Dionysius shaped his philosophical views, particularly on tyranny and governance. Romm humanizes Plato, understanding his struggles within the political intrigue of his time. The conversation even draws parallels to contemporary political dynamics, reminding us that the archetype of the tyrant remains relevant today.
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Syracuse As A Regional Superpower
- Syracuse emerged as the superpower of the Greek West and, in the fourth century BC, of the entire Greek world.
- Its strength filled the political vacuum left by weakened Athens and Sparta and made it central to Greek affairs.
Plato's Personal Motivation About Tyranny
- Plato's fear of tyranny grew from firsthand experience: Athens' rule of the Thirty influenced his political thinking.
- His journeys to Syracuse were directly tied to his ongoing work on The Republic and shaped his institutional response, the Academy.
Flattery, Debt, And Pretend Blindness
- Dionysius promoted drunkards and gamblers and said, "I want there to be someone who's hated more than I am."
- Courtiers even pretended to be blind to flatter his nearsightedness, creating a culture of self-abasement.
