Single Idea 21130

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / a. Nature of democracy]

Full Idea

Some theorist think that democracy is intrinsically valuable, but others believe that it is valuable because it delivers good outcomes.

Gist of Idea

Some say democracy is intrinsically valuable, others that it delivers good outcomes

Source

Andrew Shorten (Contemporary Political Theory [2016], 05)

Book Reference

Shorten,Andrew: 'Contemporary Political Theory' [Palgrave 2016], p.111


A Reaction

It is hard to see how the majority having a dictatorship over the minority could be an intrinsic good. If we start with respect as the supreme social virtue, then participation and public discussion might be intrinsic goods.

Related Idea

Idea 21129 Democracy is a method of selection, or it involves participation, or it concerns public discussion [Shorten]