Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Joseph Schumpeter, Participatory Democracy
3 Oct 2013
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Document Summary
Why value democracy: intrinsic reasons (because of what it is) Embodies a commitment to freedom or self-rule. Democracy = individuals ruling themselves; a form of freedom. Autonomy = giving laws to oneself: instrumental reasons. Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains. We can be coerced and free: coercion: we are forced to comply with laws, freedom: laws are self-imposed (presupposing democracy) Opposes democratic government because [he thinks] executive power should be held by the few. Objection: democracy is not a form of freedom. Those on the losing side are subject to laws they did not give themselves. Majority rule , ie. minority are not self-ruling, and therefore not free. Replies: first intrinsic reason: democracy provides more autonomy than any other decision procedure: gives every citizen the opportunity to participate in law- making. Second intrinsic reason: equality: democracy embodies a commitment to treating all as moral equals, equal entitlement to participate, politics for a society of equals.
