Liberalism & Democracy

What is a common goal of both liberalism and democracy?

Limiting the coercive potential of the state.

As that violates liberty as well as legitimate representation.

How does democracy limit the coercive potential of the state?

Decentralisation of power through representation, accountability and participation.

It encourages multiple centres of power in a pluralistic framework.

How does liberalism limit the coercive potential of the state?

Through advocacy for the fragmentation and diffusion/ separation of powers as the most effective check on power is power itself.

How is the relationship between democracy and liberty paradoxical?

They are both complementary and contradictory

What are the respective assumptions of democracy and liberalism?

Democracy: Collectivist set of assumptions

Liberalism: rooted in individualistic assumptions

What is the underlying point of tension between democracy and liberalism?

The trade-off between the value of individual liberty relative to the democratic notion of the common good.

What is legalistic tyranny of the majority?

The legislature could legally, legitimately and democratically sanction laws that violate the rights of minorities.

What’s cultural tyranny of the majority?

Democracy, given its populistic leanings, creates a potentially coercive pressure towards social conformity and cultural standardisation that stifles the impulsive nature of liber

How does democracy develop human beings and their liberty?

1. Develops intellectual virtue and skills of argument and logical reasoning

2. As your decisions affect others, it develops a moral virtue and consideration of your own actions

3. Develops an aesthetic virtue, as you must choose your priorities and assign values various issues and trade offs.

4. Forces empathy, developing a spiritual virtue