Plato and Aristotle on Democracy

PHIL-P 370 — Fall 2020 — Themester

Days and Times
Tues/Thurs, 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Course Description

Plato is one of the most famous critics of democracy of all time, arguing that it does not ensure that those in power will have the knowledge or virtue required to govern well; the Republic ranks democracy second-worst among systems of rule (above only tyranny). We will aim to understand and evaluate Plato’s criticisms of democracy, as well as the more complex views about the role of democratic elements in government developed in Plato’s Laws and in Aristotle’s Politics.

Instructor: Dr. Katy Meadows