PHIL 153 Study Guide - Final Guide: Alexis De Tocqueville, Legislature, Harm Principle

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHIL 153
• Professor: Jim Molos

Document Summary

Part two: tyranny of the majority (10 marks: how does alexis de tocqueville describe the tyranny of the majority. Believe in democracy therefore all authority originates in the will of the majority . Tension since it is a distasteful idea that people has a right to do whatsoever it pleases . Executive and judiciary is appointed by majority. Legislature represents and enacts decisions of the majority: de tocqueville"s proposal to prevent tyranny. Legislative power representing majority without being the slave of its passions. Executive power with some degree of uncontrolled authority. In america, once a decision is made there is a submissive silence : democracy also has a social voice possessing physical and moral power. No independence of mind and freedom of discussion. Different from europe: american democracy damages the human mind. The body is left free, and the soul is enslaved . Not fear of death but instead fear of alienation.