Is the US already living under an oligarchy? The hosts delve into how wealth concentration among a few influences democracy and examine the philosophical roots of governance through Plato and Aristotle's contrasting views. They uncover the risks of charismatic leaders swaying the uneducated masses and debate the moral implications of oligarchic power morphing into tyranny. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for economic reforms and civic engagement to reclaim democratic values and resist oligarchic control.
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insights INSIGHT
Oligarchy and Plutocracy
Oligarchy is often used synonymously with plutocracy (rule by the wealthy).
This association predates capitalism, evident in Aristotle's definition of oligarchy as serving the wealthy's interests.
insights INSIGHT
Defining an Oligarch
An oligarch isn't just rich; they're extremely wealthy, part of the 1% of the 1%.
They use their wealth for political influence via lobbying, super PACs, and donations.
insights INSIGHT
Wealth and Competence
Oligarchy falsely equates wealth with competence in all areas, including government.
This belief is evident in the current administration's idolization of extreme wealth.
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In 'Politics,' Aristotle examines the various forms of government and their strengths and weaknesses. He argues that the *polis*, or city-state, is the highest form of political association, and that humans are by nature political animals who can only achieve their full potential within such a community. Aristotle discusses different types of constitutions, including constitutional government, aristocracy, kingship, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, and evaluates them based on the principle of distributive justice. He also emphasizes the importance of a strong middle class, education, and the role of law in maintaining a stable and just society. The work is deeply rooted in Aristotle's teleological view of nature and his belief that the ultimate goal of human existence is happiness achieved through the exercise of reason and virtue[2][4][5].
The Republic
Plato
On Oligarchy
On Oligarchy
None
Webster Tarpley
The Hidden History of American Oligarchy
Thom Hartmann
Oligarchy in America
Oligarchy in America
Luke Winslow
Is Trump’s presidential reign turning the US into an oligarchy? Or did the US fall into oligarchic rule many years ago? In episode 127 of Overthink, David and Ellie dive into what an oligarchy looks like, the dangers of a country’s power being in the hands of the wealthy few, and whether or not oligarchic rule is new for the US. They look to the ancient Greeks for ideas on which form of government is conducive to the good life and explore how Aristotle’s notion of pleonexia relates to the current state of the US. Your hosts investigate how oligarchy morphs into tyranny, and try to answer the question, “How can we resist an oligarchy?” In the bonus, Ellie and David look at the four different types of oligarchy discussed by Jeffrey Winters.
Works Discussed:
Aristotle, Politics
Gordon Arlen, “Aristotle and the problem of oligarchic harm: Insights for democracy”
Thom Hartmann, The Hidden History of American Oligarchy
Overthink 
