more from Roger Scruton

Single Idea 7594

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / f. Against democracy]

Full Idea

The paradox of democracy (emphasised by Rousseau) is that I am compelled by my belief in democracy to embrace conflicting - perhaps even contradictory - opinions. If I believe A, and the majority vote for B, I am committed to enacting them both.

Gist of Idea

Democrats are committed to a belief and to its opposite, if the majority prefer the latter

Source

Roger Scruton (A Dictionary of Political Thought [1982], 'paradox of democracy')

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'A Dictionary of Political Thought' [Pan 1983], p.341


A Reaction

The paradox would have to be resolved by qualifying what exactly one is committed to by being a democrat. I would say I am committed to the right of my opponents to enact a policy with which I disagree.