PHIL 1010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Inclusive Democracy

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHIL 1010
• Professor: Karyn Freedman

Document Summary

Same-sex marriage: a philosophical defense, by ralph wedgwood. This is a political, not an ethical argument. Uses the idea of equality to moderate the idea of same sex marriage. What we think about marriage varies society to society but there are lots of shared assumptions about what it means to be married. Announce everyone that i am with this person forever, or until the marriage lasts: the legal meaning of marriage: Marriage resembles a contact, and each party must uphold her end, e. g. spousal support, hospital visitation rights, etc. Preliminary answer: it cannot interfere with freedom or democracy. Everyone lives their own understanding of a good life. Freedom: government should respect and protect people"s power to lead their own lives in the light of their own beliefs, values and choices. Inclusive democracy: in a well-functioning democracy, the exercise of public authority should typically be adequately justified in public discussion on the basis of values that are as uncontroversial as possible.