Episode XXI - What is a Republic? A tale of Ancient Athens - Transcript

On this week’s episode we will discuss What is a Republic, its history, its comparison to a Democracy and lastly, we will discuss what Socrates, in Plato’s Republic, thought of Democracy.

First known as Politeia which is the Greek of its translation further meaning Polity, Government, or regime. Former Roman statesman Cicero (to which this podcast will discuss further about) was the first to coin the term Res Publica as it’s known for its Latin translation. The term is used most consistently with the idea of a Republic defined as a form of government in which the people and its representatives withhold “supreme power”. By its definition it is also note-worthy to mention that historically, a Republic has been the antithesis to a Monarchy. In this sense we can see as how most Monarchies throughout History would have a bitter view of such a form of Government. One in which a former aide to George Washington, James McHenry (I might add) proclaimed a day after adjourning from signing the constitution that a lady asked Dr. Franklin “well doctor what have we got? A Republic or a Monarchy? To which he answered, “A Republic……… if you can keep it”. Although there are many forms of government, we shall begin by discussing that of a Republic. A form of Government to which this Podcast bears its name. Not to worry however, we shall discuss many other forms of Government in episodes to come. Moreover, we shall begin as is proper by discussing its History.

The History of what is now known as a Republic dates back to ancient times. I’d like to take you with me on a journey to Ancient Greece.

Dating back to Ancient Greece, most notably the city state of Athens, the civilization that gave rise to many forms of political thinkers such as Plato, Diogenes, Epicurus and most notably Socrates. Not only for its establishment of the arts, but Athens was also the first among civilizations to practice governmental forms of Polity such as Democracy and to which we will be discussing a Republic. Aristotle coined a Republic by stating that the term politeia can be used when defining a republic as “When citizens at large govern for the public good”. The power in the hands of its citizens was created to counter already established forms of government during these times. Among these are Tyranny and Monarchies. Ironically, many philosophers, Socrates being the first, would deem one of Athens most notable achievements Democracy as another form of Tyranny, not to be confused with Power in the hands of a sole ruler but power in the hands of the majority. Although Athens was the first to adopt such a form of government, we must not leave other societies that practice a similar form of Republican Government, such as the Middle and what is known today as modern-day Venice. Given such a strong criticism towards Democracy as Socrates did in calling it the Tyranny of the Mob you may ask what the difference between a Democracy and a Republic is.

In short there are many forms of Republics throughout history. However, for the sake of time the biggest difference between the two would be Democracy as a Majority election, thus establishing power in the hands directly towards the people and that of a Republic as Power in the hands of its people and its representatives. For Example, we may think of the United States. The United States is therein a Republic form of Government, while affording the right to vote in a general election, it is the electoral college not direct vote that establishes its representatives. More on the United States will be discussed in further detail in episodes to come.

The idea of a pure democracy in theory would seem to be the best and most fair form of Government given the examples and definitions discussed. However, allow me to make the case as Socrates did in Plato’s Republic as professed his salient warnings upon Democracy.

In Book six of Plato’s Republic, we see Socrates falling into conversation with a fellow named Adeimantus and their discussion on said topic. Socrates makes his case by comparing a society to that of a ship (a trireme) sailing from port to Samos. He asks the question “who would you want to be in control of the vessel? Would it be wise to elect any old crew member of the ship as captain or would we elect the person most experienced in the art of seafaring? Given human nature, would an individual charismatic and clever not demand that he should oversee the vessel? While others might look upon the individual as a “” Star Gazer”” Not charismatic at all, however occupied in the positioning of the stars at sea. Which individual would you give control of the vessel?”

- “Why the individual who’s most experienced in the art of seafaring” replied Adeimantus.

“Then why would we assume that any individual would be just as fit to be the ruler of a country?” Replied Socrates.

His argument being that voting in a n election is a skill. A skill meant to be used responsibly and held in the hands of those deserving. It’s important to note that like Plato and many others, Socrates witnessed first-hand the ability of strong, clever, and charismatic individuals to persuade those not yet in the art of voting. This in turn led to many substandard rulers such as Alcibiades who eroded basic freedoms and led Athens towards a military disaster in Sicily. This is Socrates’ salient warning against Democracy. One in which the founding fathers of the United States took as a caution and rightly so.

Many today see the gridlock meant to protect us from such evil and substandard rulers as a violation to our democratic principles. However, it is these same gridlocks that have protected us time and time again throughout history. We have forgotten much about the dangers of voting irresponsibly in an election. Perhaps it is because we have not paid enough attention to the Philosophical works of Plato, Aristotle, John Stuart Mill, John Locke, and many others.

I would like to end on this note. Please stay tuned for more episodes of The Republic, please feel free to share this podcast with any whom you think may enjoy it. Likewise, make sure to follow me on social media as I will be posting for more content. You may also feel free to provide a one time donation towards this podcast. This will certainly help us grow and reach new audiences. Once again, my name is Victor Antonio, and this has been The Republic.