In this episode, I dive into Aristotle’s controversial idea, the “natural king.” This is the one person whose virtue and wisdom are so far above everyone else’s that ruling them would be unjust. Aristotle says such a ruler should lead willingly accepted by all, a model of kingship that sounds strangely familiar in the age of artificial intelligence.

Could a superintelligent AI fit this description? And if so, should we let it rule? Or would that be the fastest road to digital dystopia?

I also explore Aristotle’s blueprint for mixed government, his early version of checks and balances, and why he thought both mob rule and oligarchic control were dangerous.

Politics, Book III, Chapters 11–14

Chapters:

(00:00) Are the Many Wiser or Dangerous?

(01:48) Why Aristotle Didn’t Fully Trust the Crowd

(05:06) Only Experts Can Judge Experts?

(08:43) The Importance of Law and Authority

(09:59) Justice Isn’t About Rich or Poor

(12:06) Relevant Inequalities in Political Life

(13:23) The Risks of Misidentifying Leadership

(16:28) The Exceptional Individual: Blessing or Threat?

(19:49) Natural Kingship: Aristotle’s Ideal Ruler

(28:03) Would Aristotle Let Superintelligent AI Rule?