Question

Explain Plato’s argument against democracy using either the doctor or ship captain example.

Answer 1

Answer: Plato draws an analogy of democracy with the captain of a ship.

Explanation:

• Plato points out that the captain of a ship (representing democracy) is the largest and most powerful, and because of these characteristics, he steers the boat. However, the helmsman is hard of hearing and can see poorly. Sailors quarrel with each other to leave their helm, even if they have no experience. If one happens to succeed, then others kill him or throw him out of the boat. And when it comes to them to conquer the venerable shipowner with wine or some other means, then they master the ship, dispose of it, drink and have their guests, and navigate as one might expect from such people. Also, anyone who was agile and, when needed by the shipowner to either persuade or coerce, helped them reach the authorities, praise that he was a sailor and a helmsman, and be understood in naval matters and all other bark as incapacitated. They do not even know that a true helmsman if he wants to be a good steward of the ship, must study the seasons, the sky and the stars, and the winds and all that goes into his skill.

• In this way, Plato criticizes democracy. From this chapter, we can conclude that in democratic principles and in the way they are elected, the incompetent often comes to power. In doing so, these people do not have sufficient knowledge to govern the country, and often use the system to gain their benefit.