Can a philosopher rally a crowd like a politician?

Question

Can a philosopher rally a crowd like a politician?

Answer 1

Yeah, good question. I can't think of any cases where it's happened, Socrates tried to rally the crowd in Athens--to save his life--and failed. And if Socrates couldn't do it, who could?

Answer 2

absolutely. ghandi did, john lennon did. jesus gathered crowds, martin luther king jr. einstein. i think all the greatest do.

ideally, politicians would BE philosophers. and as far as i can tell Obama is the closest to being one i've ever seen for a politician.

Answer 3

Courage is a part of us all and it is developed as we choose. There are many kinds of cowards in life. Physical is the most noted but if we look there are Intellectual cowards as well. Those who have found their truth and will not chance to seek other truths.

When looking at many current Philosophers I came to understand they are in many cases self absorbed to the point there is no point. Few have a cosmic understanding and lack the highest values only found in religions.

Answer 4

Theoretically, yes, because those two character traits are unrelated, in my opinion.  h**l, Socrates is a good example of a philosopher with a magnetic personality.

Answer 5

Maybe, but not with his philosophy.  He has to knowingly 'lie' to the crowd, where a true politician would likely be passionate about the demagoguery conveyed to the crowd.

Answer 6

A philosopher would be a much better person to rally a crowd because they actually stand up for what they beleive.  A philosopher would be a very powerful leader.

Answer 7

Heck ya!

Have you not read the apology?

Socrates chose teaching after politics only because he felt he would've been killed in politics, just for being so d**n wise.

Answer 8

What about 'Rage Against the Machine'? They're not politicians, but they definitely voice their opinion on the nature of the world. They're politically-minded, but they're not part of the governemnt or anything.

Gripe: I have never heard of a politician rallying a crowd. Most people realize that all politicians are liars, right?