Democracy, a Critic of Platos

Plato’s objection to democracy as a form of government is valid, and strong. The democracy of his time was lead directly by the citizens, and decisions concerning the welfare of others could potentially be made by the uneducated and uninformed. However, his claim that democracy as a whole is weak is unsubstantiated. Modern democratic governments have in place the necessary checks and balances to keep the uninformed masses a safe distance from actual decision-making. Citizens elect informed representatives to cast the actual vote. This “buffer zone” of current democracy gives the hope of success to modern government that was, in the eyes of Plato, lacking from Athenian democracy.

Many of the political views Plato held were influenced by the political tribulations of Athens. During Plato’s life alone, Athens underwent much political unrest. After centuries with a democratic rule, the Athenian government was replaced with the violent reign of the Oligarchy of Thirty Tyrants, imp

Plato’s Republic is laden with references, and opinions of democracy. Through the mouth of Socrates, he speaks of the ignorance of the masses, and the inevitable fall of democracy to tyranny. As the concept of morality is analyzed, a utopian society free of the pitfalls of democracy is created, and its potential as a viable community questioned.

Some topics in this essay:
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