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Single Idea 19920

[from 'Tractatus Theologico-Politicus' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 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 Reference

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'.