Athenian Democracy | Political Philosophy

Summary

This video explores the theory and institutions of Athenian democracy, examining its roots, values, and unique structure. It delves into the historical development of democracy in Athens, from the reforms of Solon in 594 BC to the radical changes introduced by Cleisthenes and the rise of the Athenian Empire. The video emphasizes the role of active citizenship, equality, free speech, deliberation, and accountability within Athenian democracy. It also highlights the intersection between Athenian political institutions and cultural life, particularly through the lens of Greek theater, and discusses the enduring impact of Athenian democracy on modern political thought.

Takeaways

• 😀 The word 'Democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (power), emphasizing the participation of ordinary people in self-government.
• 😀 Athenian democracy was a direct form of democracy, where citizens regularly attended public assemblies, spoke on matters, and directly participated in lawmaking.
• 😀 The term 'democracy' differs from other forms of government like monarchy and oligarchy, as it is based on 'kratos' (power) rather than 'arkhos' (rule).
• 😀 Athens wasn't the first democracy in the Greek world, but it remains the most well-documented and influential in the history of democracy.
• 😀 Democracy in Athens evolved gradually, with significant reforms made by Solon (594 BC), Cleisthenes (508 BC), and Ephialtes (462 BC).
• 😀 The Athenian system was based on values such as equality before the law (isonomia), equality of speech (isegoria), and freedom of speech (parrhesia).
• 😀 Athenian democracy excluded women, slaves, and foreigners from full citizenship, emphasizing active citizenship for native-born men.
• 😀 Key democratic institutions in Athens included the Ecclesia (assembly), the Council of 500, and various public officials chosen through a mix of random selection and elections.
• 😀 Athens valued deliberation in governance, where public speeches played a significant role in decision-making, with accountability measures like audits for public officials.
• 😀 Athenian democracy had a close connection to cultural institutions like theater, where political criticisms and debates on democratic values were often presented.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the word 'Democratic' in Greek, and how does it relate to Athenian democracy?

The Greek word 'Democratic' combines 'demos', meaning the people, with 'Kratos', meaning power. This term highlights the direct participation of ordinary people in self-government. In Athenian democracy, citizens didn't just vote—they actively participated in assemblies, spoke on public matters, and directly contributed to the creation of laws.

How does Athenian democracy differ from modern representative government?

Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, where citizens actively participated in decision-making and law creation by attending assemblies. In contrast, modern representative democracy involves electing representatives to make decisions on behalf of the citizens.

What is the significance of the suffix 'Kratos' in the word 'Democracy'?

Unlike other forms of government such as monarchy or oligarchy, which use the Greek word 'archē' (rule), the suffix 'Kratos' emphasizes power rather than rule. This reflects the Athenians' focus on empowering the people to achieve meaningful accomplishments in the public sphere.

Why is Athens considered an exceptional case in the history of democracy?

Although Athens wasn't the first or only democracy in the Greek world, it is the most well-documented and influential due to its size, prosperity, and military power. Its democratic system became a key historical reference for later democratic developments.

What were the major reforms that shaped Athenian democracy?

The key reforms that shaped Athenian democracy included the laws of Solon in 594 BC, which curbed aristocratic power, Cleisthenes' reforms in 508 BC, which reorganized Athenian society, and the reduction of powers of the Areopagus in 462 BC, making the system more democratic.

What were some of the core values of Athenian democracy?

Some core values of Athenian democracy included 'isonomia' (equality before the law), 'isegoria' (equality of speech), 'parrhesia' (freedom of speech), 'eleutheria' (freedom), deliberation in decision-making, and accountability of public officials.

Who was excluded from full citizenship in Athenian democracy?

In Athenian democracy, full citizenship was restricted to native Freeborn men over the age of 18. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from full political rights and participation in the democratic process.

How did the Athenian assembly function, and what role did it play in governance?

The Athenian assembly, or 'ecclesia', was the central institution of Athenian democracy. All citizens could participate in it, where they discussed laws, public policies, and important matters. The assembly required at least 6,000 citizens to be present to make decisions, and citizens were paid for attending, ensuring even poorer citizens could participate.

What role did the Athenian theater play in their democratic system?

The Athenian theater, particularly tragic drama, was deeply connected to their political institutions. It allowed citizens to engage in critical discussions about democracy and governance, reinforcing both the legitimacy and the critique of democratic institutions. The theater was a public space for debate and reflection on political life.

How did Athenian democracy influence later political thought?

Athenian democracy has had a lasting impact on political theory, influencing thinkers like James Madison, John Stuart Mill, and Hegel. It was used as a reference point for understanding the nature of political freedom, the dangers of excessive democracy, and the potential for active citizen participation in modern democracies.