Ancient Attitudes Towards Democracy
Hi! This is a formal essay. The instructions for the essay will be in a document attached called "Essay 1" pdf. There are two different topics to choose from. Some source texts have a website links in the instructions, some of the others will be attached, one will be linked and ill need to ask support for two more.
Constitution of the Athenians
https://www(dot)gutenberg(dot)org/cache/epub/26095/pg26095-images.html
Plutarch, Life of Pericles
https://penelope(dot)uchicago(dot)edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Pericles*.html
Answer one of the following questions. In answering, you must make use of and reference to the texts set per question. You may use other passages of your primary readings if they are relevant, but focus should be on the set texts. You should also use the listed secondary sources to help inform your understanding of the topic and the issues surrounding it, but do not just reproduce what they say. Be critical in how you approach both the primary and secondary sources, and essays that depend too heavily on one or the other will be marked down. Similarly, Pomeroy should only be used sparingly to provide the necessary background. You may not refer to any other textbook or work of scholarship. Length 1400-1600 words (you must include a word count at the end of the essay) Essays that are too long or too short will be penalized. Layout Essays should be word-processed and double spaced. Please upload your essay to Turnitin, accessible via eClass. Readings The set texts that were not part of your class readings will be hosted on eClass.
Questions:
1. Our ancient sources offer overwhelmingly negative comments about the institution of tyranny in Archaic Greece. To what extent are their accounts and perceptions of tyrants reliable, and to what extent were they motivated by bias and later misgivings towrads tyranny? Set texts Herodotus 3.39-53, 80-82; 5.67-68, 92 Xenophon, Hiero 1-7 (https://anastrophe.uchicago.edu/cgibin/perseus/citequery3.pl?dbname=GreekNov21&getid=1&query=Xen.%20Hier.%201) Pesudo-Aristotle, Constitution of the Athenians 13-19 Luraghi, Nino (2018). ‘The Discourse of Tyranny and the Greek Roots of the Bad King’. Evil Lords: Theories and Representations of Tyranny from Antiquity to the Renaissance: 12-26. Salmon, John (1997). ‘Lopping off their heads? Tyrants, politics and the polls’. The Development of the Polis in Archaic Greece: 32-38.
2. What was the ancient attitude to the institution of democracy? Did the contemporaries approve of this political arrangement, and what were the criticisms? Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the institution in the Athenian context, and discuss whether you think the sources have given Athenian democracy fair consideration. Set texts Pesudo-Aristotle, Constitution of the Athenians 13-22 Herodotus 3.80-82, 142; 5.78 Thucydides 2.34-46, 64-65; 3.36-50 Plutarch, Life of Pericles 7-39 Aristophanes, Knights 691-835 (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0034%3Ac ard%3D691) Mitchel, Lynette Gail (2008). ‘Thucydides and the Monarch in Democracy’. Polis: The Journal of Ancient Greek Political Thought 25.1: 1-30.
Ancient Attitudes Towards Democracy
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Ancient Attitudes Towards Democracy
Question 2: What was the ancient attitude towards the institution of democracy? Did the contemporaries approve of this political arrangement, and what were the criticisms? Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the institution in the Athenian context and discuss whether you think the sources have given Athenian democracy fair consideration.
The outlook on establishing democracy in Athens during the ancient times was intricate and diverse. Whilst certain individuals embraced the idea of democracy, there were also many debates and criticisms concerning its strong points and drawbacks. The texts from that era allow us to analyze various perspectives on Athenian democracy, thus enabling us to assess its reception during that period. Athenians of the past had an intricate and multifaceted relationship with the democratic organization, leading to a plethora of opinions and viewpoints being expressed. Whilst some stood behind democracy throughout that era, others doubted its feasibility and discussed its benefits and drawbacks. The authoritative documents provide extremely valuable insights into a variety of attitudes towards Athenian democracy, allowing us to measure the response that it garnered in ancient times. The attitude of the people in ancient Athens towards the concept of democracy was convoluted, with a variety of viewpoints and conclusions. Although certain contemporaries appreciated the notion of democracy, some harbored hesitations and criticisms. It is of utmost importance to scrutinize the precision and biases of ancient sources to acquire complete comprehension of their accounts and outlooks on rulers in ancient Greece.
The Athenian political framework is illustrated by the Pesudo-Aristotelian Constitution of the Athenians. This document is believed to be a compilation of numerous authors' works. It promotes an optimistic outlook on democracy and its many benefits, including the equal rights and involvement of every citizen. Furthermore, it highlights how democratic institutions, such as the Assembly and the courts, serve as an essential means of ensuring justice and upholding law and order (Aristophanes,1938). Nonetheless, it admits that the political system does have certain flaws, including its potential susceptibility to demagoguery and the possibility of majority dictatorship. The Pesudo-Aristotelian Constitution of the Athenians, which many believe is an amalgamation of several writers' works, extensively analyzes the Athenian government. It portrays a positive vision of democracy by emphasizing equal treatment for all citizens and their ability to participate in the governance process. The Constitution lauds the Assembly and the Courts for their function in promoting the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Moreover, it highlights that a just society must be established based on democratic principles such as freedom and equality. Among the document's most significant features is its recognition of democracy's advantages and restrictions. It cautions against the dangers of uncontrolled populism by acknowledging the vulnerability to demagoguery and the likelihood of majority dictatorship.
Herodotus, a historian from the fifth century BCE, presents a multifaceted evaluation of Athenian democracy. Within his History, he praises Athens as the originator of democracy and emphasizes the Athenians' devotion to their liberty (Luraghi, 2019). Nevertheless, he does not shy away from pointing out their inclination to be misled by populist leaders and their propensity to make imprudent decisions, as seen in the invasion of Sicily during the Peloponnesian War. Herodotus presents a nuanced illustration of Athenian democracy in his Histories, showing both the positive and negative aspects of the system. He lauds Athens as the cradle of democracy while acknowledging the Athenians' independence and desire for self-rule. Herodotus praises the populace for abiding by democratic principles, which heavily impact the political decision-making process.
Nino Luraghi's article, "The Discourse of Tyranny and the Greek Roots of the Bad King," explores the negative imputations linked with tyranny in ancient Greek society. Luraghi contends that Greek cultural and literary traditions, such as myths and epic poetry, added to the portrayal of tyrants as inherently malevolent and harmful rulers (Luraghi, 2019). These cultural depictions could have influenced the biased accounts and perspectives of tyrants found in earlier records. Luraghi's analysis highlights the significance of taking into consideration cultural and literary influences when assessing the accuracy of past records.
Thucydides, a chronicler from the 5th century BCE, presents a more discerning evaluation of Athenian democracy. Within his historical text of the Peloponnesian War, he asserts that democracy spawns demagogues who manipulate the masses to fulfill their selfish desires. He highlights the perils of populist movements left unchecked and the possibility of implementing unwise policies. Thucydides suggests that while Athenians champion traditional democratic values such as freedom and equality, they could produce horrible outcomes as well (Luraghi, 2019). Another writer from the same era as Thucydides discusses Athenian democracy in a pessimistic light. In the History of the Peloponnesian War, he remarks that democracies potentially engender populist leaders eager to manipulate public opinion for their goals. He stresses the vulnerability of miscalculation and misinformed decision-making. Thucydides insinuates that the independence and even-handedness Athens festers can backfire with disastrous outcomes.
An analysis of John Salmon's article concerning the political climate of Archaic Greece and the impelling reasons behind negative classifications of tyranny reveals an intriguing perspective regarding the possible partiality of ancient thoughts towards more autocratic systems of governance. Salmon proposes that critics of tyrants, and notables such as Aristotle and H...