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Single Idea 19920
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / c. Direct democracy
]
Full Idea
Democracy is properly defined as a united gathering of people which collectively has the sovereign right to do all that it has the power to do.
Gist of Idea
Democracy is a legitimate gathering of people who do whatever they can do
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 16.08)
Book Ref
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.200
A Reaction
Representative democracy doesn't fit this definition. What 'unites' the people, and where do they get their sovereign right? If my neighbouring village votes to invade mine, I spurn their pathetic 'sovereign right'.
The
33 ideas
from 'Tractatus Theologico-Politicus'
7487
|
Society exists to extend human awareness
[Spinoza, by Watson]
|
4300
|
The Bible has nothing in common with reasoning and philosophy
[Spinoza]
|
7827
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Spinoza wanted democracy based on individual rights, and is thus the first modern political philosopher
[Stewart,M on Spinoza]
|
19914
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In nature everything has an absolute right to do anything it is capable of doing
[Spinoza]
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19915
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Natural rights are determined by desire and power, not by reason
[Spinoza]
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19916
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The order of nature does not prohibit anything, and allows whatever appetite produces
[Spinoza]
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19918
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Forming a society meant following reason, and giving up dangerous appetites and mutual harm
[Spinoza]
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19917
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Without reason and human help, human life is misery
[Spinoza]
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19919
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People only give up their rights, and keep promises, if they hope for some greater good
[Spinoza]
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19921
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Once you have given up your rights, there is no going back
[Spinoza]
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19920
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Democracy is a legitimate gathering of people who do whatever they can do
[Spinoza]
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19922
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People are only free if they are guided entirely by reason
[Spinoza]
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19923
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Slavery is not just obedience, but acting only in the interests of the master
[Spinoza]
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19924
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The freest state is a rational one, where people can submit themselves to reason
[Spinoza]
|
19925
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In democracy we don't abandon our rights, but transfer them to the majority of us
[Spinoza]
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19926
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The sovereignty has absolute power over citizens
[Spinoza]
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19927
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State and religious law can clash, so the state must make decisions about religion
[Spinoza]
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19928
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No one, in giving up their power and right, ceases to be a human being
[Spinoza]
|
19929
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Everyone who gives up their rights must fear the recipients of them
[Spinoza]
|
19930
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Sovereignty must include the power to make people submit to it
[Spinoza]
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19931
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Every state is more frightened of its own citizens than of external enemies
[Spinoza]
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19932
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The early Hebrews, following Moses, gave up their rights to God alone
[Spinoza]
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19933
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If religion is law, then piety is justice, impiety is crime, and non-believers must leave
[Spinoza]
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19934
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Hebrews were very hostile to other states, who had not given up their rights to God
[Spinoza]
|
19935
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Peoples are created by individuals, not by nature, and only distinguished by language and law
[Spinoza]
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19936
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Kings tend to fight wars for glory, rather than for peace and liberty
[Spinoza]
|
19937
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Monarchs are always proud, and can't back down
[Spinoza]
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19938
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Allowing religious ministers any control of the state is bad for both parties
[Spinoza]
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19939
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Government is oppressive if opinions can be crimes, because people can't give them up
[Spinoza]
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19940
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Deposing a monarch is dangerous, because the people are used to royal authority
[Spinoza]
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19942
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Treason may be committed as much by words as by deeds
[Spinoza]
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19943
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The state aims to allow personal development, so its main purpose is freedom
[Spinoza]
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19944
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Without liberty of thought there is no trust in the state, and corruption follows
[Spinoza]
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