Socrates and Democracy
When the idea of Democracy first emerged in Ancient Greece, Socrates did not adopt this idea at all and strongly opposed it.
We even understand from Plato's writings that the reason for Socrates' execution was his opposition to democracy.
One day, while Socrates was chatting with his students, a student asked Socrates:
─ If democracy is to accept the decision of the majority, isn't that fair too?
For example, in a place where 100 people vote, would it be more fair and correct to follow the decision of fifty-one people or to follow the decision of forty-nine people?
It is also very possible that more people are less likely to be wrong than fewer people.
In that case, your opposition to democracy is neither right nor right.
Thereupon, Socrates asks his student first, using the question and answer method as always.
─ Can you tell us, is it harder to be wise or harder to be ignorant?
Student:
─ Of course and no doubt it is more difficult to be wise. While it is necessary to read a lot and get tired to be wise, there is no need to do anything to be ignorant.
Socrates:
─ Well, then, can you tell us again, is there a large number of ignorant people or a large number of wise people in societies?
Student:
─ Of course, there are many ignorant people.
Socrates:
─ Can you tell us again, if there are a hundred passengers on a ship, does the captain know better where, how and in which direction the ship should sail, or is it a hundred passengers?
Student:
─ If the passengers do not have maritime knowledge, it is the captain who knows best.
Socrates:
─ Well, then, can we say that not everyone can decide on everything, everyone should speak where they know and every business should be given to those who work?
Student:
─ This is exactly what should happen.
Socrates:
─ Well, then, can you tell us again, would it be fair and correct to justify their decisions just because they are the majority, without knowing who is knowledgeable on what subject or not?
You also admitted that the number of ignorant people in a society is always more than the wise ones.
