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Single Idea 21528

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / c. Direct democracy ]

Full Idea

For maximum freedom with minimum force: Autonomy within each politically important group, and a neutral authority for deciding questions involving relations between groups.

Gist of Idea

Groups should be autonomous, with a neutral authority as arbitrator

Source

Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 3)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'Political Ideals' [Spokesman 2007], p.56


A Reaction

This is workplace democracy, and also considerable self-rule amongst minority groups such as religions.


The 13 ideas from 'Political Ideals'

We need security and liberty, and then encouragement of creativity [Russell]
Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell]
We would not want UK affairs to be settled by a world parliament [Russell]
Anarchy does not maximise liberty [Russell]
Theoretical and practical politics are both concerned with the best lives for individuals [Russell]
Democracy is inadequate without a great deal of devolution [Russell]
Men unite in pursuit of material things, and idealise greed as part of group loyalty [Russell]
That our heaven is a dull place reflects the misery of excessive work in life [Russell]
When the state is the only employer, there is no refuge from the prejudices of other people [Russell]
The right to own land gives a legal right to a permanent income [Russell]
Unfortunately ordinary voters can't detect insincerity [Russell]
Groups should be autonomous, with a neutral authority as arbitrator [Russell]
On every new question the majority is always wrong at first [Russell]