Can a majority be wrong and still be democratic?
Can democracy become oppressive?
From ancient Athens to modern societies, majorities have often believed they were acting in the public interest.
In this episode, Geoff O'visa explores a troubling question: What happens when democracy itself becomes a source of injustice?

“When the people rule, who protects the minority?”
The first democracies feared kings. Soon, some of history's greatest thinkers began to fear something else: the people themselves.
In Episode 2, Geoff O'Visa explores how Rome, Plato, and constitutional government emerged from the fear that majorities can be dangerous.
 
 
 
 

What if democracy began with exclusion?
 
Ancient Athens is celebrated as the birthplace of democracy.
 
But who counted as "the people"?
 
In Episode 1, Geoff O'Visa explores democracy's origins and the political boundary that shaped one of history's most influential ideas.

What if democracy began with exclusion?
 
Ancient Athens is celebrated as the birthplace of democracy.
 
But who counted as "the people"?
 
Geoff O'Visa explores democracy's origins and the political boundary that shaped one of history's most influential ideas.