philosopher king

noun

1. the Platonic ideal of a ruler, philosophically trained and enlightened.

philosopher-king

1. In the Republicby Plato , the ideal ruler, who has the virtue and wisdom of a philosopher.

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosopher king¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Diceneus, philosopher-king of Dacia, perhaps Cassiodorus' ideal of a king, 32.

From Project Gutenberg

Shall we, then, have the philosopher-king, as Europe dimly seems to half expect?

From Project Gutenberg

The Philosopher King is perfectly willing, "provided you don't involve me in Wars with my neighbors."

From Project Gutenberg

The true statesman, the philosopher king, in Plato's phrase, sees and serves the public good.

From Project Gutenberg

They sought in him the philosopher king—that mirage which, as we have noted, Confucius and Plato had sought in their day.

From Project Gutenberg