Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Economic Inequality, Decision-Making, Marquis De Condorcet
15 Aug 2016
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Idea that people are doing the ruling = political equality. Emphasis on collective self-rule: decision making process where everyone makes decisions together, it"s a govt of, for, & by the people- abraham lincoln, historically, been unpopular. Indirect- voters choose representatives who then make decisions on their behalf. Extreme lack of accountability= representatives elected for life. Democracy aims for equal capacity of citizens to process information relevant to decision making. Economic inequality impacts citizens" opportunity to participate in politics. Plato says the many selfish, ignorant, etc; therefore, not qualified to contribute to the decision making process. Reason 1: freedom as autonomy (giving rules to oneself) democracy promotes autonomy. Democracy is the right method to make freedom or self-rule: individuals ruling themselves. Freedom is obedience to laws we give ourselves; it"s self-govt. Objection- democracy is not a form of freedom. Majority rule- minorities are not self-ruling & therefore those in minorities are not free.
