Democracy and Knowledge in Ancient Greece

Ancient philosophers were often critical of the epistemic features of democratic institutions. In this chapter, I first offer a critical review of the principal institutions of Athenian democracy. I then clarify what I take to be Plato’s central argument against democracy, which turns upon its epistemic failings. I then examine Aristotle’s views about democracy and knowledge and his views concerning the epistemic powers of groups. Finally, I conclude by examining what Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic philosophers had to say about democracy and knowledge.