Platos Criticism of Democracy Essay - 897 Words

Platos Criticism of Democracy Plato, having defined his perfect society, now seeks to compare contemporary imperfect societies with his ideal standard. He initially criticises the imperfect society as a whole, before leading onto a criticism of any given individual within that society; the imperfect character. He has already dealt with the Oligarchic society and character and now moves onto Democracy and the democratic character. Plato states that the Oligarchy, where the ultimate desire is for wealth and character governs emotions without reason, will ultimately collapse and become a Democracy. The lower, drone class are exploited by the avaricious oligarchic class: this leads the drones into discontent, and they plot against†¦show more content†¦This variety and colour may catch the attention of those who have little understanding of important matters (Plato uses the example of women and children to illustrate his point). However, this lack of order does not encourage the development of well-balanced c haracters, as Plato demonstrates. Platonic psychology supports the view that any mind should be made up of three hierarchical levels: the desires and emotions being the lowest tier; the character, as decided by upbringing occupies the intermediate tier; and reason is at the top of the hierarchy. Plato further divides the desires into two categories: the necessary, acquisitive desires (i.e., those that benefit us and are essential to life) and the unnecessary, wasteful desires (i.e., those that harm us physically or mentally and can be controlled). With the Oligarchic psyche, the character governs the emotions but without any reason behind it, i.e., the Oligarchic character balances his desires in order to gain the greatest wealth, but he does not really know why he does this. He is driven by motives hidden to him. Plato bases his description of the transition from the Oligarchic mindset to the Democratic mindset upon this psychological theory. The Oligarch is brought up in [a] narro w economical way and at some point he comes into contact with the drone element and their honey of various and refined pleasures. Since he has no rational reason for the suppression of these desires, they grow in strength:Show MoreRelated Platos Criticism of Democracy Essay1697 Words   |  7 PagesPlatos Criticism of Democracy Do not be angry with me for speaking the truth; no man will survive who genuinely opposes you or any other crowd and prevents the occurrence of many unjust and illegal happenings in the city. A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive for even a short time. (Apology 31e-32a) These are the words of Socrates, who spoke before the Athenian jury in the trial that would, ultimately, condemn him to his death. ThroughRead MoreDo Not Be Angry With Me For Speaking Th1627 Words   |  7 PagesRepublic, we can see Plato’s distaste of the concept of democracy. Why does he consider democracy to be so flawed? Let us look through his own eyes and see what his individual criticisms are, and determine if the very concept of democracy is as flawed as he believes it to be. One of the contemporary definitions of democracy today is as follows: â€Å"Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives; Rule by the majority† (â€Å"Democracy† Def.1,4). Democracy, as a form of governmentRead MorePlato s Republic : A Political Leader Is The Greatest Way Have A Successful Political Rule997 Words   |  4 Pagesbook one of Plato’s Republic, Socrates states that â€Å"no one, in any position of rule, to the extent that he is a ruler, considers or enjoins what is advantageous for himself, but what is advantageous for his subject - that on which he practices his craft.† According to Plato, treating political rule as a craft with master craftsmen in power is the greatest way have a successful political rule. This idea is pessimistic when viewed in terms of a democratic society, as a true democracy places a valueRead MorePlato Was An Ancient Greek Philosopher Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pagesexplains t his in his Seventh Letter, and tells of after the revolution, the government put in charge, being friends and family of his, called on him to join them. He believed they would turn their unjust city just however, this was not the case and in Plato’s words ‘I saw that these men make the former constitution seem like a golden age by comparison’ This new power sought to involve Socrates in their unholy expeditions, irrespective of whether or not he wished it, this lead to Socrates putting himselfRead MorePlatos The Republic1054 Words   |  4 Pages In Plato’s The Republic, the theory of appointing a ruling class is a major aspect in his political theory of a just state. As communicated through Socrates, Plato believed in the appointment of only a few citizens of the just city that possess a soul that craves all truth, knowledge, wisdom, and through proper education are competent enough to rule the just state and to decide on legislative policies. In my paper, I will be arguing against Plato’s political theory of who is best fit to be chosenRead MorePower, Authority And Power And The Views Of The State1388 Words   |  6 Pagespolitical theories of the state that were very different. The essay will look to cover their theories as well as definitions, strengths and weaknesses on democracy, authority and power and the views of JS Mill and Plato, giving their thoughts, ideas and styles. The researcher will also apply these definitions of authority and democracy to both Mill’s and Plato’s theories of th e state. Heywood tells us that authority is, in the broadest sense of the word, a form of power which can be thought of as ‘legitimateRead MoreAnalysis Of Gorgias Encomium Of Helen, Isocrates, And Plato s Gorgias1316 Words   |  6 Pagesphilosophical works, I will provide the basic understanding of the importance of the development of rhetoric and how it’s foundation has set the precedent for the future. In this paper I intend to explore, Gorgias Encomium of Helen, Isocrates, and Plato’s Gorgias, to provide evidence that there is an exigence in the understanding of rhetoric. It is necessary for understanding rhetoric in order to understand rhetoric’s greater implications on today’s society in comparison to ancient Greece. InventionRead MoreEssay on Platos Republic981 Words   |  4 PagesPlatos Republic Plato, one of the most ingenious and powerful thinkers in Western philosophy, born around 425 B.C. Plato investigated a wide range of topics. Dominant among his ideas is an immense discourse called The Republic. The main focus of Plato is a perfect society. He outlines a utopian society, out of his disapproval for the tension of political life. Plato lived through the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), in which much of Greece was devastated. This created poverty and political confusionRead MoreAnalysis Of Encomium Of Helen, Dissoi Logoi, And Plato s Gorgias1541 Words   |  7 Pagesphilosophical works, I will provide the basic understanding of the importance of the development of rhetoric and how it’s foundation has set the precedent for the future. In this paper I intend to explore, Gorgias Encomium of Helen, Dissoi Logoi, and Plato’s Gorgias, to provide evidence that there is an exigence in the understanding of rhetoric. It is vital and necessary to understand rhetoric , so that we can understand rhetoric’s greater implications on today’s society. Invention of rhetoric, a contributorRead Moreâ€Å"A Truly Just City?† Essay701 Words   |  3 Pagesjustified way of governing a city. Fundamentally, the rulers are driven by specific appetites and virtues, that develop a cycle of ruling between the stages of aristocracy, timocracy, oligarchy, democracy and eventually a tyranny. This structural chain, is significant in demonstrating the center of Plato’s argument, this it is always better to be just than unjust. Socrates’ main backbone to this fictional city is the importance of education. In order too be truly just, you are to pursue what