Single Idea 23253

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

Full Idea

A majority being in favour of some course of action is the acceptable means of reaching decisions when no vital interest of a minority is endangered.

Gist of Idea

Majority decisions are only acceptable if the minority interests are not vital

Source

A.C. Grayling (The Good State [2020], 1)

Book Reference

Grayling,A.C.: 'The Good State' [Oneworld 2021], p.22


A Reaction

This is generally accepted in extreme cases, such as the majority voting to exterminate the minority. The difficulty is to decide what is a 'vital' interest, and to get the majority to care about it.