Democracy Debate in Herodotus

Herodotus, the Greek historian known as the Father of History, describes a debate on the three government types (Herodotus III.80-82), in which proponents of each type tell what's wrong or right with democracy.

1. The monarchist (supporter of rule by one person, be it a king, tyrant, dictator, or emperor) says freedom, one component of what we today think of as democracy, can be given just as well by monarchs.
2. The oligarch (supporter of rule by a few, especially the aristocracy but could also be the best educated) points out the inherent danger of democracy -- mob rule.
3. The pro-democracy speaker (supporter of rule by the citizens who in a direct democracy all vote on all issues) says in democracy magistrates are held accountable and are selected by lot; deliberation is made by the entire citizen body (optimally, according to Plato, 5040 adult males). Equality is the guiding principle of democracy.

Read the three positions:

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