What does Socrates believe about democracy?

Plato’s Republic presents a critical view of democracy through the narration of Socrates: “foolish leaders of Democracy, which is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequaled alike.” In his work, Plato lists 5 forms of government from best to …

Why Socrates did not believe in democracy?

Socrates’s point is that voting in an election is a skill, not a random intuition. And like any skill, it needs to be taught systematically to people. Letting the citizenry vote without an education is as irresponsible as putting them in charge of a trireme sailing to Samos in a storm.

Why was Socrates critical of Athenian democracy?

Socrates often criticized Athenian democracy. He especially criticized it for the selfish individuals who gained power and wealth by using speech-making tricks and flattery to gain the support of citizens. Much of his criticism took place during the 27-year Peloponnesian War between Athens and its great rival, Sparta.

What did Plato believe about democracy?

Plato believes that the democratic man is more concerned with his money over how he can help the people. He does whatever he wants whenever he wants to do it. His life has no order or priority. Plato does not believe that democracy is the best form of government.

Why democracy is required?

We need democracy for: Democracy helps citizens to choose their leaders to run the government. Democracy provides equal rights among citizens on the basis of caste, religion and sex. Democracy enhances the quality of decision-making and also improves the dignity of citizens.

Who gives the idea democracy?

Under Cleisthenes, what is generally held as the first example of a type of democracy in 508–507 BC was established in Athens. Cleisthenes is referred to as “the father of Athenian democracy”.

What does Socrates say about the nature of democracy?

Socrates implies that the very nature of democracy makes it a corrupt political system. Bitter experience has taught him that most people rest content with a superficial understanding of the most urgent human questions. When they are given great power, their shallowness inevitably leads to injustice.

What have we forgotten about Socrates’s salient warnings against democracy?

We have forgotten all about Socrates’s salient warnings against democracy. We have preferred to think of democracy as an unambiguous good – rather than a process that is only ever as effective as the education system that surrounds it. As a result, we have elected many sweet shop owners, and very few doctors.

Why was Socrates’ defense speech so controversial?

In any event, because Socrates openly displayed his antidemocratic ideas in his defense speech, it would have been difficult for jurors to set aside his association with opponents of the democracy, even if they had been inclined to do so. Athenian democracy must have seemed extremely fragile in 399.

How is Socrates portrayed in the dialogues?

In the dialogues of Plato, the founding father of Greek Philosophy – Socrates – is portrayed as hugely pessimistic about the whole business of democracy.