Single Idea 20497

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

Even if a dictator wants to advance the interests of the people, how are those interests to be known? In a democracy people show their interests, it seems, by voting: they vote for what they want.

Gist of Idea

How can dictators advance the interests of the people, if they don't consult them about interests?

Source

Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 3 'Knowledge')

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.71


A Reaction

I suppose a wise and kind despot could observe very carefully, and understand the interests of the people better than they do themselves. Indeed, I very much doubt, in 2017, whether the people know what is good for them.