Theory and Practice: Democracy and the Philosophers
Can democracy, past or present, benefit from the ministrations of the philosophers? Benjamin Barber observes the claim that Plato's persona of Socrates is a democratic one.
Plato and the remarkable character Socrates whom he created and with whom he is often confounded have both long been associated with scepticism about democracy. Platonic idealism has been understood to be a 'foundationalist' view incompatible with the constructivist and creative tendencies of democracy. If we believe ideals are written somewhere in stone – in nature or heaven or science – (or that everything exists in an ideal form) human institutions can only mirror them. Only if we believe they are human constructions, are we responsible for them. Foundationalism and democracy are inherently at odds with one another.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
