We hear a lot of talk in the United States about the importance of freedom. On this issue, Plato seems quite alien, for the concept of freedom does not seem to come up much in the Republic. Yet one could argue that Plato is not only concerned with “freedom” but strongly in favor of it – he simply understands it differently than many of us do today. What would this argument look like?
- It is possible to read the entire Republic as Plato’s attempt to find a solution to one problem: corrupt politicians (or tyrants, in the extreme case). What is the key to politics, according to Plato? Why is this the key?
Tips for a strong paper on this question:
- In the United States, in the 21st century, “democracy” is still often taken for granted as the best political system (though not always). In Athens, in the 5
the century B.C.E., this was also the case – but not for Plato. For Plato, democracy is second only to tyranny as the worst form of government. But why is democracy so bad? What is the real problem with it, according to Plato?
Under what circumstances might he actually approve of “democracy” as it was understood in his time (rule by the demos)?
