Single Idea 23371

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

Full Idea

Modern discussion has shifted from 'vote-centric' (or 'aggregative') to 'talk-centric' democracy. The vote-centric model has no mechanism for developing a consensus, or shaping public opinion, or even formulating an honourable compromise.

Gist of Idea

Modern democratic theory focuses on talk, not votes, because we need consensus or compromise

Source

Will Kymlicka (Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd edn) [2002], 7)

Book Reference

Kymlicka,Will: 'Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd ed)' [OUP 2002], p.290


A Reaction

I'm struck by the fact that a person's preferences betweent these two is a reflection of character, or basic attitudes to morality. Some people think democratically about their relationships, and others very obviously don't.