Philosophers and Democracy

• Most philosophers historically were not in favor of democracy.

Plato's View on Democracy

• Plato outlined the primary reason for the lack of philosopher support for democracy in the 6th book of "The Republic."
• Plato's Socrates discussed democracy's flaws with Adeimantus, using the analogy of a ship, questioning whether just anyone or only those skilled in seafaring should be in charge of a vessel at sea.
• Socrates concluded that only qualified individuals should rule a country, not just anyone.

Definition of Democracy

• Democracy means rule by the people.
• The word comes from the Greek words 'demos' (the people) and ‘kratos' (to rule).
• Democracy varies in form, differentiated by procedural and content differences.

Procedural Differences in Democracy

• Procedural differences concern how decisions are made.
• Representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives to a governing body like a parliament.
• Direct democracy involves citizens directly exercising power.

Content Differences in Democracy

• Content differences are influenced by the dominant ideology of a state/country.
• Hinges on whether a society values individual liberty or equality as its top priority.
• Liberal Democracies prioritize individual liberty, while Social Democracies value equality.

Liberal Democracy

• Influenced by liberal political ideology, operating under the principles of liberalism.
• Characterized by fair, free, and competitive elections.
• Separation of powers into different branches of government.
• The rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society.
• Equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all people.

Social Democracy

• Political, social, and economic ideology advocating for interventions to promote social justice.
• Policy regime committed to representative democracy, income redistribution, and economic regulation for public interest and welfare.
• Aims to create conditions for capitalism to achieve greater egalitarian outcomes.
• Often associated with socioeconomic policies prominent in Northern and Western Europe, especially the Nordic model.