I’m working on a philosophy paper on democracy and thought what an outstanding place this would be to get some insight on the topic. My premise is that, while democracy may still exist, so few Americans ever really think about it and their own role in it that it is in danger of becoming weakened through inattention. So here are the questions I’m interested in. Please consider them and, if so inclined, let me know your thoughts. Also, if you could tell me your age and profession, I might be able to draw up some generalities to guide my arguments.
What are your general thoughts about democracy and/or a democratic society? Do we really have one?
What is the role of the individual in a democracy?
Has the idea of democracy, or the fact of democracy, changed over your life span?
Do you ever give any thought to democracy? If you do, what kind of thoughts, how much thought, what conclusions do you come to about it?
Any of your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks muchly.
hehe this can get pretty extensive… I’m not American but I’ll chip in.
Brazil was nominally a dictatorship until mid 80’s. Let’s say that we haven’t felt much change in our national mismanagment. We do get to kick 'em out every so many years for incompetence, which makes us feel better about democracy.
Personally I feel like Churchill about democracy. It stinks and its the “best” we got. Sometimes its just a way of making people beleive they have choice… others its a way of forcing government into making a better than average effort. The system must work independently of those in power and democracy avoids pitfalls.
Individuals make a difference only if they are political leaders or economic powers.
During my life I have become pretty dissapointed since I’ve seen clearly dishonest politicians managing to hold on to power and surrounded by happy cronies. Bush is another major disaster I feel.
I do think about democracy… but I like most dopers are politically informed and interested. Most aren’t… and by most I venture 90%+ Still if we ALL worried horribly about democracy then government wouldn’t be saving us time for other stuff like work, life and family.
I’m 31, Govt. Employee and Language Instructor. Upper Middle Class and overly informed and opiniated.
Democracy fundamentally works well (compared to dictatorships anyway) because the goals of the ruling class and the general population tend to be well-aligned. Politicians want you to be prosperous and healthy so you continue to vote for them.
However, there are many ways in which democracy can fail to work well. A few quick examples:
Corruption.
Partisanship: places enourmous barriers on sensible discussion of solutions to problems.
Information: an unbiased press has an enourmous role to play in a functioning democracy. It’s impossible for voters choose the best candidate if they have no reliable information on which to base their decisions. From this you could argue that it’s the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are as well-informed as possible, in order to contribute properly to the democratic process.
Short-termism: Politicians find it difficult to think far ahead of the next election, leading to a ‘quick-fix’ mentality. For example, if global warming really is the danger the majority of scientist think it is, democracies are inclined to ignore the problem until the electorate make it an issue, which may be too late for useful action.
I’ll bite. I’m a history teacher in training, age 24.
Well, no, we have a representative republic. Plain democracy would never work in a coutnry as large as America, since you have to represent more than population density, and tyrrany of the majority is always a threat. The government always needs to be able to retain some ability to combat this.
To be informed of local, state, and national events, participate in discourse with others, and vote.
Yes, and I certainly hope so.
Well, er, I study historical texts, keep up to date on current events, participate in discussions, and subscribe to NGO and watchdog lists and reports.
It’s a book by a professor emeritus on democracy, its evolution, and implementation. If you’re doing a philosophy paper on democracy it would likely make a perfect reference source no?
Otherwise what are your starting views on the questions you provided?
This is a small paper I’m doing as part of a master’s degree in education. The point of the class is schools are the last, best place to create and defend democratic ideals. And to create informed, democratically literate citizens. So my questions are sort of designed to see where people are now in their views on democracy, and then I think I’ll work backwards from there.
I guess I was referring to democracy with a lower case d, not the ideal of Democracy. I meant democracy as opposed to theocracy, oligarchy, dictatorship, etc.
Who do you believe is responsible for educating individuals about their responsibilites as a citizen in a democracy? Schools, media, family?
In what ways has democracy changed? You sound like you think it’s more positive now.
Is that enough? Do you vote? Encourage others to vote? Are you an activist in any way?
I think it is imperfect, but it works. Certainly, theories on what democracy should be have advanced a great deal - look at the government we will build in Iraq, it won’t resemble ours, and I suspect that Mr. Jefferson would have preferred to see our government change more over time. Overall, though, we seem to work things out on the positive side.
Obvious bias here, but schools. History/social studies works to make students aware of both history and current events and how they relate, how government works, and eventually, civics. However, you can’t rely on just one source. There should be some level of “propaganda” encouraging the citizen to know their role.
I meant, my perception of democracy. I hope that always changes and grows.
I’ve worked for and supported various NGOs, and I actively seek to educate anyone who will listen.
As an aside, you may be interested in a recent thread - “Is it rational to vote” - where we were discussing the motivation behind voting. Many people (sadly) come to the conclusion that “my vote will not likely be the deciding vote, therefore it is irrelevant.”
Doesn’t the term “ruling class” somewhat negate the premise the idea of a democracy?
However, there are many ways in which democracy can fail to work well. A few quick examples:
Corruption.
Partisanship: places enourmous barriers on sensible discussion of solutions to problems.
Information: an unbiased press has an enourmous role to play in a functioning democracy. It’s impossible for voters choose the best candidate if they have no reliable information on which to base their decisions. From this you could argue that it’s the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are as well-informed as possible, in order to contribute properly to the democratic process.
Short-termism: Politicians find it difficult to think far ahead of the next election, leading to a ‘quick-fix’ mentality. For example, if global warming really is the danger the majority of scientist think it is, democracies are inclined to ignore the problem until the electorate make it an issue, which may be too late for useful action.
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Those seem like failures of politicians. of politics. Are they failures of democracy?
Those are great thoughts in an intellectual vein. Much appreciated. How about how YOU feel about democracy, what’s your role, who is responsible for educating you about democracy in the first place.
