Plato and critique of

Democracy

BY
JUNED BANGALI
21BAL026
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Introduction

Greek philosopher who lived

in the fourth century BCE
Plato was an understudy of
Socrates and educator of
Aristotle
Plato is popular for his
thoughts on the idea of the
real world, the human
condition, and political way
of thinking
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Democracy in Athens

Athens was the origination of Plato was critical of a majority rules

democratic government in old Greece government in Athens and accepted that it
In Athens, all residents had equivalent had many defects
freedoms and could partake in the
public authority

Democracy as Critiqued by Plato
Because democracy was
founded on the notion that
everyone's opinion was valid
regardless of their knowledge or
level of expertise, in Plato's view,
democracy was a flawed
system of government.
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PLATO THOUGHT THAT THIS
CREATED A SITUATION IN WHICH
PEOPLE WITH LITTLE EDUCATION
MAY MAKE CRUCIAL JUDGEMENTS
THAT WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON
EVERYONE IN SOCIETY.
ADDITIONALLY, ACCORDING TO
PLATO, DEMOCRACY ENCOURAGES
PEOPLE TO PRIORITISE THEIR OWN
INTERESTS OVER THE GOOD OF THE
COMMUNITY
Plato's Idea of Philosopher-Kings

According to Plato, the ideal form of

government would include intellectuals
serving as kings.
Plato believed that only philosophers
possessed the knowledge and wisdom
required to make decisions that would benefit
society as a whole.
Philosopher-kings, according to Plato, would
be capable of making decisions based on
reason and would be immune from the
distorting effects of riches and power.
Plato's Idea of the Cave

Plato explained his understanding of

reality and the human predicament
through the metaphor of the cave.
Plato asserts that those in the cave can
only perceive the shadows on the wall
and cannot see the true nature of
reality.
CONCLUSION

Because he thought philosopher-kings

had the knowledge and wisdom
necessary to make wise decisions for
society, Plato thought they were the
ideal rulers and that democracy was not
the best form of government.

Philosophy and other academic

disciplines continue to draw inspiration
from Plato's views on reality, human
nature, and other topics.