Grade my essay! :D

11041994
Sun, 23 Sep 2012 12:14:56 +0000

Is the opinion of the majority-in government or in any other circumstances-a poor guide?

The opinion of the majority, in most situations, is a poor guide. Several examples from scientific to political, show us that the majority can make mistakes.

Copernicus was castigated when he claimed that the Earth went around the Sun, and not the other way around. The majority thought differently, and so temporarily won. In such a case, the majority of the people won’t possess the scientific knowledge that Copernicus would, and so are bound to have different, if not contrary, opinions.

Nelson Mandela had stood firmly against the majority, and eventually came out victorious. As an anti-apartheid, he was continuously opposed by a large majority of white South Africans. Even after spending 27 years in prison, Mandela did not give up. He eventually won. Now his actions are considered heroic and ‘right’.

On the other hand, the majority has the authority when electing the government. Different political party’s have different motives, and the majority will only choose the one with similar motives to theirs.

History shows us that the majority’s opinion is flawed, though, that may not always be the case.