Demagoguery is a form of manipulation through words and a practice that is normally associated with political activity .
The person who has this kind of behavior is a demagogue. This term is often used in a derogatory manner and is intended to censure those who practice certain misleading arguments.
Political debate is based on the use of the word and is intended to convince others of the value of their ideas
For this, the politician resorts to attractive arguments, but which deep down hide the truth. For this reason, demagoguery is used as a synonym for falsehood or hypocrisy. It’s a way of saying something to please the other person, saying exactly what he wants to hear.
It is not easy to detect demagoguery, as it appears to manifest itself as something common and correct, in such a way that when faced with a demagogue argument it is difficult to argue anything against it, since the discourse used is convincing for most.
In the context of Greek civilization, democracy emerged in Athens as a new form of government, in the middle of the 5th century BC. C. Citizens of Athenians could express their ideas, attend meetings, and postulate themselves as leaders of their community . Faced with this circumstance, individuals with a desire for power emerged: the demagogues.
His ability to present himself as an orator and his popular speeches were aimed at the population with seductive proposals
Some politicians became very popular because of these techniques and this provoked the reaction of some philosophers (especially Aristotle and Plato), who opposed these manipulative individuals and therefore used the term demagogue.
Aristotle expressed his political works on demagoguery
According to this thinker, democracy was a valid form of government, but it had certain dangers, since demagogues could use them for their own benefit. In your opinion , a corrupt and worn-out democratic system resulted in demagogic attitudes.
Aristotle showed his great capacity for analysis by defining the demagogue as one who speaks to the people for their own benefit.
In Plato’s case, his arguments against demagogy were stronger. Upon proving that some people supported themselves in democracy and deceived the people with false promises and dishonest attitudes, he considered that democracy was not a good system of government.
