plato's theory of democracy

[Fran666]

i have to do an essay critiquing this.

I know the theory but just dont know where to start, its so bloody open!

Help!

thanks

[rampart]

First, you must read enough to develop an intelligent opinion. Once you've done that, take your position. For example, you disagree with Plato's theory. Now, ask yourself why you disagree. Let's say you determine three good reasons that his theory is flawed. Now you can write your hypothesis:

By examining (reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3), it is evident that a democracy is not necessarily always doomed to fall into tyranny as described in Plato's theory of democracy.

Now that you have the hypothesis, develop first your introductory paragraph that talks about democracy in general, then let the paragraph evolve down until your hypothesis fits in as the last sentence to that paragraph.

Your next three paragraphs should go into more detail on reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3.

End with a heavy conclusion that recaps your evidence thereby validating your hypothesis.

wot?

[jno]

you could try to compare it with the way modern democracies actually work, bearing in mind that there are different systems for making the voice of the demos heard - eg the first-past-the-post system of British elections, coupled with an unelected upper house; elections to both houses and an executive, elected president in the USA; proportional representation systems in other countries; lots of local referendums in Switzerland (where total female suffrage has arrived only recently)...