The idea of meritocracy (literally: power based on merits) and contradictions related to its realization are considered. The historical analysis of intellectual elite’s power conceptions from Plato to post-industrial society theories is done. A range of meritocracy’s Utopian aspects is stressed out. Comparative analysis of spiritual power’s various theories shows that main contradiction of conception of meritocracy is the question about society control over the ruling elit
The Idea of Meritocracy: Plato’s Inviolable Magic Spell
Written by M. S. Kalney
Keywords: meritocracy; spiritual elite; bureaucracy; totalitarianism; society; majority.
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