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    According To Pericles, What Are The Chief Characteristics of A Democratic Society?

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    According To Pericles, What Are The Chief Characteristics of A Democratic Society?

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    W4 HW

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    According To Pericles, What Are The Chief Characteristics of A Democratic Society?

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    World History 世界史一 W4 作業

    歷史二 林元靖 B12103011


    (1) According to Pericles, what are the chief characteristics of a democratic society?

    In his famous funeral oration, Pericles highlights the extraordinary nature of Athenian

    society, aiming to inspire and bolster the people during the harshness of war. He identifies

    several key characteristics of Athens’ democracy that distinguish it from Sparta: citizen

    participation, equal opportunity, respect for the rule of law, and openness.

    First, Athens’ democracy is governed by the many, as opposed to Sparta, which is

    ruled by the few. This allows ordinary citizens to participate in politics, while those with

    talent and merit can attain public office, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

    Second, the concept of the rule of law is central to a democratic society. Athenians

    not only respect their laws and authorities, but they also enjoy personal freedom. Public

    conduct is guided by a sense of reverence for laws, particularly those that protect the

    vulnerable.

    Third, Athenian society is open and transparent, encouraging a diversity of activities

    and welcoming foreigners from other city-states. This openness reflects the Athenians'

    confidence in their way of life. Moreover, Pericles emphasizes that citizens are encouraged

    to engage in discussion before taking action, as knowledge derived from open discourse is

    necessary for effective decision-making. Citizens are also expected to be involved in public

    affairs.

    (2) According to Plato, why would philosophers make the best rulers?
    In The Republic, Plato believes that wisdom must be combined with political power

    for a society to develop properly. He uses the character of Socrates to discuss ideas about

    politics, philosophy, and the ideal society. Plato, like Socrates, believes that philosophers

    possess the knowledge of their own ignorance and other qualities that contribute to the

    development of a well-formed soul.

    Plato asserts that philosophers’ passion for understanding truth allows them to make

    informed decisions about governance, which is essential for ensuring a just society. Since

    philosophers seek truth rather than personal gain, they can govern without falling into

    corruption or being driven by greed and desire. On the other hand, Plato criticizes

    democracy, which he believes places power in the hands of the many who lack

    professional knowledge and are easily swayed by self-interest or greed. He warns that the

    excessive pursuit of liberty in a democracy can lead to neglect of important matters,

    fostering conditions ripe for anarchy and ultimately paving the way for tyranny.

    Thus, Plato concludes that philosophers, with their wisdom and rationality, are the

    most qualified to rule justly and effectively. He believes that only rulers with true wisdom

    and moral integrity can govern the state properly, ensuring justice and harmony within

    society.

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