more from Peter Singer

Single Idea 20287

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / e. Democratic minorities]

Full Idea

The case for majority rule should not be overstated. No sensible democrat would claim that the majority is always right. If 49% of the population can be wrong, so can 51%.

Gist of Idea

If 49% of the population can be wrong, so can 51%

Source

Peter Singer (Practical Ethics [1979], 09)

Book Reference

Singer,Peter: 'Practical Ethics' [CUP 1989], p.190


A Reaction

Well said! We can't possibly put a figure on when the majority become right. In the recent Brexit referendum hardly anyone seemed to understand the issues very well, so none of us have a clue about who was right.

Related Idea

Idea 95 If everyone believes it, it is true [Aristotle]