A Notable Exception

The video explores the relevance of antiquity in understanding modern social science questions, focusing on the Iron Law of Oligarchy, which suggests that all political organizations eventually become oligarchies. The speaker discusses their career journey and how they were influenced by social scientists. They challenge the Iron Law by presenting classical Athenian democracy as a counterexample, arguing that it maintained a robust democracy where ordinary citizens had influence over elites. This counterexample suggests that oligarchy is not inevitable.

What is the Iron Law of Oligarchy and how does it relate to different forms of political organization?

How did Robert Mickel's studies influence his views on socialist parties in Europe?

What conditions might allow for the maintenance of a robust democracy according to the text?

Why is the example of classical Athenian democracy considered a significant counterexample to the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

What implications does disproving the Iron Law of Oligarchy with the example of Athens have for social science?