Social Contract in the Dark Age: Basileus vs Demos

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In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Spock said, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” Applying this logic to the social contract between the basileus and the demos, the demos’ needs outweighed the basileus’ needs, because the demos were the many whilst the basileus was only one person. The social contract that existed between the basileus and the demos of the Dark Age consisted of expectations. The basileus was expected to provide for the demos’ needs of protection, generosity, and fair judgment. Thus, if the basileus were unable to provide the demos with their needs, the contract became void and made the basileus’ leadership position vulnerable to dissolution. Therefore, in the social contract, the demos were satisfied because they maintained their ability to rebel if their expectations of protection, generosity, and fair judgment were not met by the basileus. …show more content…

Plotting a way out of Polyphemus’ cave, Odysseus asked himself, “How could I find escape from death for my crew, myself as well?” (Odyssey: 9.470-471), knowing that it was his duty to ensure the safety of his men as they were loyal to him. When Hector said “No time for rest. My heart races to help our Trojans, they long for me, sorely, whenever I am gone”. (Iliad. 6.430-431), he, like Odysseus, knew it was his duty to ensure the safety of the demos against their enemies because the demos were reliant on their protection as per the social

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