philosopher kings

British  

plural noun

1. (in the political theory of Plato) the elite whose education has given them true knowledge of the Forms and esp of the Form of the Good, thus enabling them alone to rule justly

2. informal any ideologically motivated elite

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Example Sentences

Mark Joseph Stern: So I have a pet theory that trial court judges have a baseline of competence that is all too often missing among the philosopher Kings and Queens of the appellate courts.

From Slate

Plato thought this power too consequential to be entrusted to poets, whom he would ban from his ideal republic, leaving the politics of representation in the hands of philosopher kings.

From Los Angeles Times

Courts are the least democratic branch of government to begin with; judges are like robed “philosopher kings” with the power to overturn measures overwhelmingly favored by the people.

From The Guardian

Appetite is the principal attribute of the plebes, passion of the warriors, and reason of the philosopher kings.

From The New Yorker

Setbacks turn these characters into virtual philosopher kings.

From Seattle Times