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How valid are the arguments against Athenian democracy presented by the Old Oligarch?
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Tom Burridge How valid are the arguments against Athenian democracy presented by the Old Oligarch? The Old Oligarch wrote his Constitution of the Athenians towards the end of Pericles' career1. Unlike Thucydides, he was not an active politician; and the purpose for which he composed his work is remains obscure2. Nothing is known about the author, but we can infer from his negative, though often admiring, comments on Athenian democracy and from his consistent use of pejorative and laudatory adjectives to describe the lower and upper classes respectively, that he was wealthy and a member of the upper classes3. In particular, the Old Oligarch is upset that the wretched masses are better off than the decent citizens 4; that they enjoy a privileged position5; he charges them with being more interested in their private profit than in the welfare of the state6; and he objects to their ignorance, disorderliness, immorality and mischievousness7....
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