Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Equal Voice, Equal Opportunity, Joseph Schumpeter
18 Nov 2011
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Why democracy: two types of reason for valuing democracy, intrinsic reasons: in itself, there is something good about democracy (apart from the consequences it may produce, instrumental reasons: there are consequences that provide reasons in support of it. First intrinsic reason: self-rule: democracy embodies a commitment to freedom or self-rule, democracy = individuals ruling themselves, autonomy = giving laws to oneself. Jean-jacques rousseau (1712-1778: we can be coerced and free. Coercion: we are forced to comply with laws. Freedom is not doing what you want but following a rule you give yourself. Therefore, coercion is compatible with freedom: government and legislation. Rousseau opposes democratic government because he thinks executing power should be held by the few. Rousseau supports democratic legislation because he thinks the people should make their own laws: objection: democracy in not a form of freedom. Those on the losing side are subject to laws they do not give themselves. Majority rule" means the minority are not self-ruling.
