Democracy

Comparison Essay # 116229

Political Science > Political Theory

Democracy

The paper discusses the idea of democracy, focusing on the views of political theorists John Rawls and Michael Sandel.

2,008 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the concept of democracy. First, the paper explains that democracy has two main ideals: individual freedom and the rule of the people. Next, the paper suggests that, for modern political philosophers, these two main ideals are mutually exclusive. The paper then compares the views of John Rawls, who argues that the freedom of the individual is the most important facet of democracy, with those of Michael Sandel, who avers that the community and the group--the rule of the masses--is the definitive need of modern democracy.

From the Paper:

"Sandel's arguments are logical, well-thought out, and common-sense. The main problem with his case is this: most Americans value their individual liberties far more than they value neutrality. With the case of religion in particular, Americans can become quite rabid. While they may respect that their neighbor is a practicing Muslim, Buddhist, or Jainist, they would be loath to adopt such practices for themselves. One agrees that the government must remain neutral in the case of religion, but one must also be very careful when prescribing customs for another. Religious belief can often be a fundamental core of an individual's belief system. If this belief system is threatened, the faithful are quite likely to strike out in retaliation--just the kind of civil strife that Sandel is trying so valiantly to avoid. By disregarding the role of the individual within any society, Sandel is disregarding the very heart of American culture. While most of us would agree that a harmonious society is a noble goal, most of us would also be willing to fight if we thought that our personal beliefs were being disrespected".

Sample of Sources Used:

Rawls, John. "The Priority of Right and Ideas of the Good", Philsosphy and Public Affairs, vol. 17, pp. 251-276, Princeton University Press, 1988.
Sandel, Michael. "Freedom of Conscience or Freedom of Choice", Liberalism and the Unencumbered Self.
www.purepolitics.com (Article by Trey Ragsdale)
www.wikipedia.com (Dictionary of political philosophy)