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Political Science → Plato: The Statesman

The Statesman
It was Plato’s work that came after the Republic. It represents Plato’s attitude towards democracy in slightly less antagonistic manner.

Good Statesman and Guardian
He says that good statesman like the guardian ruler shall be an expert. He is to be artist to exercise superior talents in running the state. He is above the law; may use or reject it. Plato again rejects democracy in favour of an able guardian. He renders law inferior to knowledge of guardian.

Lawful and Unlawful States
In Republic, Plato gave five kinds of states. Here he gives two basic categories of Lawful and Unlawful states. Among lawful ones, it can be monarchy (best), aristocracy (2nd best) and constitutional democracy (worst) {MAD}. Among unlawful ones, it can be tyranny (worst), oligarchy (next to the worst) and unconstitutional democracy (less dangerous) {TOD}. His views about democracy are modified. He believes now that concentration of majority can be good or bad depending on action. In this he also recognizes necessity of law but not at the cost of knowledge.