My Wish Lists Login / Join

Universal Tyranny

The Socratic Attack on Tyrannical Psychology

By: Avery Williams

Write A Review

Hardcover | 1 June 2026

At a Glance

Format
Hardcover

Dimensions(cm)
16.0 x 23.6 x 1.9

Hardcover

$244.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $61.19 with

Ships in 15 to 25 business days

Elucidates the shared insight into the critique of tyrannical rule among Plato, Xenophon, and Aristotle.

Universal Tyranny offers the first comprehensive interpretation of the critique of tyranny in the thought of Socrates's greatest students: Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon. The Socratics are the only thinkers to confront the problem of tyranny on its own terms, as a permanent and plausibly attractive option in politics. They explore what people find attractive in tyrannical power and elucidate the core psychological features of tyrannical ambition: pleasure in violence toward enemies, hostility to the rule of law, a desire for love and admiration, and a rejection of any limit to the fulfillment of one's desires. In their view, these characteristics are not the result of anomalous sadism but of misguided and unhealthy versions of attributes that otherwise play an important role in human flourishing. Through a synthetic study of the early Socratic school, author Avery Williams argues that tyrannical rule debases not only the tyrant's subject but the tyrant himself, making true human excellence impossible. Tyranny thus fails at the fundamental aim of politics: It makes neither ruler nor ruled happy.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.