Democracy: Ancient Models, Modern Challenges - Melissa Lane

Enjoying our lectures? Please take a minute to answer 4 questions to tell us what you think!

Demokratia is the power (kratos) of the people (demos). But what kind of power, and who constitutes the people? Although ancient democracy is often stylized as “direct democracy” and so positioned as very different from modern “representative democracy,” in fact, issues of accountability are central to both.

Ancient Greek models of holding leaders to account are still relevant. Furthermore, the ancient Greek use of election for some offices and lottery selection for others also offers instructive possibilities for modern challenges.

This lecture was recorded by Melissa Lane on 14th March 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

Melissa is Gresham Professor of Rhetoric.

Melissa is an author, lecturer and broadcaster who has received major awards including a Guggenheim Fellowship and Lucy Shoe Meritt Residency in Classical Studies at the American Academy of Rome.

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:

[kp]

I realized the same by James in 1959 at 8.

[kp]

I would serve on any jury except I never received the summons because the USPS never could deliver the notice my entire life now 73.

[rjrobinson]

Democracy by election is necessarily inferior to direct participation by all, as the former leads to the current oligarchy - a realistic choice between only 2-3 parties, all dominated by their donors. But we cannot achieve universal participation without a massive shake up in our education system and a radical transformation in both our economic and political systems.

[kp]

Where are the women in this citizen body for offices. To rule and be ruled the women that ruled and holding offices.

[NicholBrummer]

so this is why Alkibiades had to be a general, so he could get elected, and hence a demagogue? Selling the big and crazy expedition to syracuse was a necessary step towards becoming a leader.

[kp]

Women were on the juries 300 BCE in Greece but what was Asia organizations working together ALL people (both sexes, male and females equal).