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Christine Wu

Philosophy of the Person I

Professor Emma-Adamah

March 8th, 2024

Plato and the Modern Democratic Dilemma

“Democracy, which is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and

dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike” (Plato, 558a). This quote from The

Republic establishes Plato’s condemnation of democracy, deeming that it promotes disorder

while failing to distinguish true virtue. While modern societies praise popular government,

valuing individual liberty and equality, Plato illustrates democracies as feuling internal chaos and

driving society towards tyranny by eroding shared values and reason-based rule. However, his

solution of an aristocracy backed by wisdom and order denies the principles of public

participation and pluralism, which is vital to modern day democracies. Overall, Plato’s critique

highlights the tensions between individual freedom and civic virtue that resonate with

contemporary democratic ideals, such as universal suffrage and civil liberties.

Origins of Democracy - Plato traces the origins of democracy to an oligarchy that

collapses as a result of inequality and revolts by the masses. “From an oligarchy a democracy

springs” when “the poor prevail over their opponents.” (557a). The victorious citizens then

demand principles of “equality in the conduct of civil affairs” and liberties for all, stating that

“everyone alike has a right to a completely free and equal society” (557b). Plato depicts this

democratic uprising as driven by those angered by economic inequality and oppression under
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oligarchic rule. After overthrowing their oppressors, the people insist on a government that

grants total legal and political equality, regardless of wealth, status, or capability. The

establishment of democratic rule lacks restrictions on behaviors and lifestyle choices, creating

diversity within the state. As Plato states, “there are no prohibitions of pleasure in any way”

(561b). Individuals can fully satisfy their appetites and personal preferences without any social

or legal constraints. Overall, democracy forms out of opposition to oligarchic inequality and

leads to lifestyles only unified by a common goal of freedom, enabling excessive self interest to

override civic virtue.

Plato’s Rejection of Democracy Personified in the Democratic Man - Plato’s harsh

critique of democracy is deeply intertwined in his portrayal of the democratic man. Unrestrained

in his many desires, this individual represents excessive chaos, in which Plato associates

democracy with. “There are no prohibitions of pleasures in any way” (561d). The individual

indulges his impulses without developing wisdom or self-control to temper his desires. This

represents Plato’s view that democracy fails to cultivate virtue amidst unrestrained freedom.

Lacking distinction between higher and lower appetites, the man treats all desires as equally

valid, unable to discern good from bad. Similarly, democracy’s promotion of total equality takes

away respect between citizens based on character. Democracy rejects giving special status to

“outstanding excellence” by pronouncing all men as deserving equal status (558c). Additionally,

the democratic man’s susceptibility to flattery epitomizes Plato’s warning regarding

democracy–the fact that people “refuse to acknowledge anyone as being their superior in

anything”, and are easily swayed by rhetoric not reason (563a). For Plato, democracy’s

combination of egalitarianism and capricious citizens empowers demagogues over the wise. Just
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as the democratic man lacks stable values in his chaotic freedom, Plato condemns democracy for

enabling excessive liberty that destroys traditions and virtue, fuels conflict, and opens the door to

tyranny.

Contrast with Modern Views of Democracy – Unlike Plato, modern advocates of

democracy upholds principles of individual liberty, political equality, and diversity as social

goods. Rather than seeing freedom as threatening order, modernity values pluralism in lifestyles,

beliefs, and pursuits, all enabled by democracy. Plato’s philosophical criticism of democracy was

initially based on his theory of Forms and the notion of the philosopher king. Plato argues that

most people are simply incapable of understanding the real forms of justice, goodness, and

virtue, and are ill-equipped to make decisions that benefit the city-state as a whole. Only those

who have ascended the Divided Line and are able to comprehend the Form of Good are fit to

rule. This concept of philosophical elitism contrasts sharply with modern democratic ideals,

which are based on the premise that all individuals have the fundamental right to an equal role in

the political process, regardless of their intellectual capabilities or moral development. Political

theorist John Stuart Mill describes this view, stating that “The ideally best form of government is

that which can produce the greatest amount of security to the rights and interests of the

governed.” (Mill, 2022). However, Mill did concede that democracy risks being ruled by popular

opinion and average mass mediocrity. Whereas Plato sought harmony through citizens united by

common virtues, modern society celebrates diversity and self-determination.

While honoring the multiplicity of values, some modern echo Plato’s warnings about

excessive individualism corroding the shared beliefs that bind society. As Michael Sandel argues,

“When too few citizens in a democracy live moral lives, liberty itself is threatened” (Sandel,
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2022). When freedom lacks direction towards virtue, totalitarian alternatives that promise such

orientation can arise. Social theorist Robert Bellah warned that too much self-interest in modern

capitalist democracies can prevent individuals from cultivating good character, moral

commitment, and social responsibility needed for liberty to thrive (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan,

Swidler, & Tipton, 2007).

Following in Plato’s footsteps, these thinkers highlight how when individual rights are

detached from civic virtues nourishing collective life, democracy decays from within. Its

freedoms can break down the shared beliefs and commitment to the public sphere. This leaves an

opening for totalitarian forces that vow to fill the holes left by the fractured modern democratic

society. Although reluctant to give up personal liberties, modern proponents still continue to

wrestle with the innate tensions of democracy diagnosed by Plato.

Conclusion – Plato’s critique of democracy as depicted in The Republic resonates with

ongoing debates about the nature and challenges of a democratic state. Plato’s skepticism of the

dangers of excessive individual liberty and erosion of shared values draws similarities between

concerns raised by modern thinkers. While modern democratic societies emphasize individual

liberties and political equality, Plato’s analysis encourages us to consider the potential dangers of

excessive freedom and the neglect of shared values.

Plato’s rejection of democracy originates from his portrayal of the democratic man,

represented by his unrestrained desires and a lack of moral judgment. He warns against the

dangers of demagoguery and the erosion of shared norms that undermine social cohesion.

However, modern democracy emphasizes pluralism and diversity as an essential part of a free

society, valuing pluralism and self-expression.

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However, Plato’s prediction that excessive individual freedom can harm society resonates

with beliefs of political thinkers, such as John Stuart Mill and Michael Sandel. They caution

against the pitfalls of individualism and the erosion of civic virtues in modern democratic

societies.

Upon reflecting on Plato’s critique, I find myself align with the view that while

democracy is not without its flaws, it remains the most equitable form of government as of now.

I believe that we should not dismiss democracy in favor of an elitist governance model, as Plato

suggests, but instead we should place a heavier emphasis on universal education, cultivating

informed, ethical, and engaged citizens capable of critical thinking and making good decisions.

Plato’s views on the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility serve as a

gentle reminder of the enduring challenges of democracy. While democracy remains a cherished

ideal, Plato’s insights compel us to examine its downsides and aim for a balance between

personal liberty and civic virtue for the well-being of society as a whole. This, I believe, is the

best trajectory for modern democracies– a path that acknowledges the complexities of human

nature but continues to strive for a just and equitable society.

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Citations

Bellah, R. N., Madsen, R., Sullivan, W. M., Swidler, A., & Tipton, S. M. (2007). Habits of the

Heart, With a New Preface: Individualism and Commitment in American Life. University

of California Press.

Mill, J. S. (2022). Considerations on representative government. Bibliotech Press.

Plato, Bloom, A., & Kirsch, A. (2016). The Republic of Plato (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

Sandel, M. J. (2022). Democracy’s Discontent. Belknap Press.