Timocracy
- A form of government where rule is based on the amount of property or wealth owned by individuals.
- In Plato’s philosophy, it is a transitional form of government between aristocracy and oligarchy, characterized by a love of honor and military prowess.
Simple Version
A government where political power is determined by how much property or wealth a person owns, or by their social standing and honor.
Example
In a timocracy, citizens with significant landholdings might have more voting power or be eligible for higher offices.
Real World
Ancient Sparta is sometimes cited as an example of a timocratic state, where social status and political rights were tied to land ownership and military service, and honor was highly valued.
Synonyms
- Similar: Plutocracy, Oligarchy, Stratocracy, Meritocracy
Etymology
- From Greek timē (honor, worth, value) and kratos (rule, power). It literally means “rule by honor” or “rule by worth.”
Denotations
- In Plato’s Republic, timocracy is depicted as a state ruled by ambitious men who love honor, often leading to a focus on military strength and a decline from the ideal aristocratic state, eventually giving way to oligarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between timocracy and oligarchy?
While both involve rule by a select group, timocracy specifically bases power on property ownership or honor, whereas oligarchy generally refers to rule by a small group for their own benefit, often the wealthy, but not exclusively tied to property or honor in the same way.
Who first described timocracy?
The concept of timocracy as a specific form of government was notably discussed by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his work The Republic, where he outlined it as one of the five regimes.
Is timocracy considered a good form of government?
In Plato’s view, timocracy was a degenerate form of government, a step down from aristocracy, as it prioritized honor and military ambition over wisdom and justice, eventually leading to further decline.