Democracy critiqued — OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation
In summary: Democracy critiqued is a key topic in OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation. Key exam tip: Ensure you can explain the specific function and power of each democratic organ (Assembly, Boule, law-courts).
Exam Tips for Democracy critiqued
- Ensure you can explain the specific function and power of each democratic organ (Assembly, Boule, law-courts).
- When discussing 'Democracy critiqued', focus on the specific arguments provided by Plato and the Old Oligarch.
- Use the prescribed literary sources as evidence for how democracy was perceived, not just as historical accounts.
- Be prepared to discuss the 'benefits' of democracy as perceived by the Athenians, as well as the 'dangers' highlighted by critics.
- In essay questions, integrate knowledge of the historical context (e.g., the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War) with the political theory.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to link the reforms of Solon and Cleisthenes to the later development of 5th-century democracy.
- Treating democracy as a static concept rather than a developing one.
- Over-relying on modern definitions of democracy instead of focusing on the Athenian context.
- Neglecting to use the prescribed literary sources to support arguments about the critique or idealisation of democracy.
- Failing to address the specific arguments made by the 'Old Oligarch' or Plato regarding the dangers of democracy.
Marking Points
- Knowledge of the reforms of Solon (seisachtheia, property classes, Council of 400, archonship, Areopagos, assembly, lawcode changes).
- Knowledge of the reforms of Cleisthenes (demes, tribes, Council of 500, sortition, ostracism, strategoi).
- Understanding of 5th-century developments (Ephialtes, Pericles, Areopagus powers, payment for office, citizenship laws).
- Understanding of democratic organs (Assembly, Boule, law-courts, magistrates).
- Analysis of the role of demagogues and the influence of the Athenian Empire.
- Evaluation of democracy as an Athenian identity and its benefits.
- Critical analysis of democracy through prescribed literary sources (Aeschylus, Thucydides, Euripides, Plato, Aristophanes, Old Oligarch).
- Ability to compare and contrast different ancient perspectives on democracy.
Overview of Democracy critiqued
This topic examines the criticisms levelled against Athenian democracy in the 5th century BCE, focusing on the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other contemporary thinkers. Students explore how democracy was attacked for its perceived flaws, such as mob rule, incompetence of leaders, and the subordination of expertise to popular opinion. The topic also considers the historical context of Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War, which fuelled anti-democratic sentiment among the elite.
Understanding these critiques is crucial for A-Level Classical Civilisation because it provides a balanced view of Athenian democracy, which is often romanticised as the birthplace of modern democratic ideals. By engaging with the arguments of critics like Plato (in 'The Republic') and the 'Old Oligarch' (Pseudo-Xenophon), students learn to evaluate democracy's strengths and weaknesses. This topic also connects to broader themes of political philosophy, the role of rhetoric, and the tension between freedom and order in ancient Greece.
For the OCR exam, students must be able to analyse specific criticisms, such as the claim that democracy leads to poor decision-making due to the ignorance of the masses, or that it fosters demagoguery. They should also understand the socio-political background: the Athenian empire, the Peloponnesian War, and the trial of Socrates. Mastery of this topic enables students to write sophisticated essays that compare democratic theory with its practical shortcomings, using primary sources as evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main criticisms of Athenian democracy?
The main criticisms included that democracy led to mob rule, where ignorant citizens made poor decisions; that it allowed demagogues to manipulate the masses; and that it ignored expertise, valuing equality over competence. Critics like Plato and the 'Old Oligarch' argued that democracy was inherently unstable and unjust, favouring the poor over the rich.
How did Plato criticise democracy?
In 'The Republic', Plato compared democracy to a ship where the crew (the people) mutiny against the captain (the philosopher-king), leading to chaos. He argued that democracy values freedom and equality over wisdom, resulting in a state where everyone does as they please, eventually degenerating into tyranny. Plato believed only philosopher-kings, with knowledge of the Forms, should rule.
Who was the 'Old Oligarch' and what did he say?
The 'Old Oligarch' is the anonymous author of a pamphlet (c. 425 BCE) that criticises Athenian democracy from an oligarchic perspective. He argued that democracy deliberately empowers the poor and common people at the expense of the elite, and that it is designed to benefit the lower classes. He also noted that the Athenian navy, manned by thetes, gave the poor political power.
Why is the trial of Socrates used as a critique of democracy?
Socrates was tried and executed by a democratic jury in 399 BCE on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. Critics argue that this shows democracy's failure to protect intellectual freedom and its susceptibility to popular prejudice. Socrates' death is seen as a tragic example of the 'tyranny of the majority', where a wise man was condemned by ignorant citizens swayed by rhetoric.
How did Thucydides criticise democracy?
Thucydides, through his 'History of the Peloponnesian War', implicitly criticised democracy by highlighting its flaws, such as the demagogue Cleon's influence and the disastrous Sicilian Expedition, which was driven by popular emotion rather than rational strategy. He also contrasted Athens' instability with Sparta's more stable oligarchy, suggesting that democracy could lead to impulsive decisions.
What is the difference between ancient and modern critiques of democracy?
Ancient critiques, like those of Plato and Aristotle, focused on the incompetence of the masses and the lack of expertise, often advocating for rule by the wise or virtuous. Modern critiques, such as those by thinkers like John Stuart Mill, worry about the 'tyranny of the majority' and the suppression of minority rights, but generally accept democratic principles. Ancient critics were more radical, often proposing oligarchy or monarchy as alternatives.
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