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Hatice K.

A quick explanation of why Socrates despised democracy

While democracy is highly valued in our society, one of the greatest philosophers, Socrates, was very suspicious of it. In one of his talks with Adeimantus, he compares society to a ship. When heading out on a journey on sea, would it be more preferable that anyone has the right to take charge of the ship, or only people with the proper education? Of course, the second option is preferable. In the same way, Socrates thought of voting as a skill to be taught. However, he did not think that only a small part of society should vote, but believed that only the ones who have thought deeply about the matter should be allowed to vote. He creates a strong connection between education and the effectiveness of democracy. The less a population is educated, the more likely they are to find themselves in a demagoguery. Candidates could easily manipulate voters by using their prejudice and appealing to their desires rather than proposing solutions for current problems in that society.


Later in his life the philosopher will be sentenced to death by hemlock because, charged of corrupting the youth of Athens. His opinion on democracy gives a new perspective on the most glorified system of government.


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