In Book VIII, from 555b-562a, Socrates and Adeimantus discuss what Socrates believes is the second-worst form of government, namely democracy. This form of government comes about, according to Socrates, when wealth inequality in an oligarchy becomes so extreme, that the poor masses rise up and overthrow the oligarchs (555d-557a). In place of the money-loving ways of the oligarchy, the prime characteristic of democracy, for Socrates, is the freedom to fulfill one's desires. In other words, freedom from discipline and self-control. And so Socrates says that the democratic citizens always surrender self-control to fulfill whatever desires come along, be they necessary, unnecessary, or even harmful (561b). So, to Socrates, a democracy is ruled by desire and the love-of-freedom, and not by reason and wisdom. And it is this subjugation of reason and wisdom to desire that makes democracy the second-worst form of government.

Is Socrates correct about democracy? Can the love-of-freedom go too far? Must freedom be tempered by the self-control and discipline provided by reason and wisdom?Whether your position on this question is positive or negative, provide reasons and examples in support of the position you chose.