What were Socrates views on 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 …

What does Socrates say about democracy in the apology?

In Apology, on the other hand, Socrates is critical of the ways in which his fellow Athenians are running the democracy, but he isn’t necessarily critical of democracy itself. In this way, Socrates maintains that Athens is corrupt and failing to live up to its potential as a just and honest democracy.

Why did Socrates hate democracy Quora?

He believed if the demos could vote by birthright, people would make ill-informed and foolish decisions, since not everyone can be a philosopher – this would then lead to a ‘corruption of majority’. He rather regarded voting as a skill only acquired by knowledge and wisdom and intellect.

What are the major arguments for and against democracy?

(ii) Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality. (iii) So many people have to be consulted in a democracy that it leads to delays. (iv) Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.

What are the arguments in Favour and against democracy?

(i) A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government. (ii) Democracy improves the quality of decision-making. (iii) Democracy provides methods to deal with differences and conflicts. (iv) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

Did Socrates really hate democracy?

Whilst we may not know whether Socrates hated democracy or not, one thing is certain: democracy hated him. In his trial for he may have subtly criticized democracy, or in accepting the verdict, was loyal to it, depending on who you ask.

What accusations does Socrates make against his city and its politics?

But that is not the only accusation Socrates brings forward against his city and its politics. He tells his democratic audience that he was right to have withdrawn from political life, because a good person who fights for justice in a democracy will be killed.

What is Socrates analysis of the hatred he has incurred?

Socrates’ analysis of the hatred he has incurred is one part of a larger theme that he dwells on throughout his speech. Athens is a democracy, a city in which the many are the dominant power in politics, and it can therefore be expected to have all the vices of the many.

What did Socrates think the government should be?

Socrates thought that government should be run by those with specialized knowledge and well-developed reasoning skills; people who could make correct and effective decisions, and were not governed by baser emotions and petty self-interests.