This is typically why most specify the need for liberal democracy, which both limits the powers of the populace to arbitrarily and without argument condemn people to death, and limits the ability for one person—philosopher or no—to become king.
Socrates (/his lineage) was anti-democratic, but it should be pointed out that for the longest time both democracies and non-democracies were horrible governments to live under, so personally I forgive them. Liberal democracy has in many ways given historical democracy too good a name.
This is typically why most specify the need for liberal democracy, which both limits the powers of the populace to arbitrarily and without argument condemn people to death, and limits the ability for one person—philosopher or no—to become king.
Socrates (/his lineage) was anti-democratic, but it should be pointed out that for the longest time both democracies and non-democracies were horrible governments to live under, so personally I forgive them. Liberal democracy has in many ways given historical democracy too good a name.