Abstract This paper looks at the religion of Islam and the concept of democracy within the religion. The author first defines Islam and democracy and explains that, although the concept of democracy in pre-Islamic tribes in Arabia historically was not identical to present-day democracy, they share the same fundamental principles. The author goes on to explain how verse 4:59 from the Quran is very often misconstrued by dictators and monarchs to justify their undemocratic ways of ruling. The paper then lists and studies the key fundamentals of the Islamic political order and states that through proper interpretation, democracy does indeed exists in Islam.
Outline:
Defining Islam
Defining Democracy Misunderstanding the Concept of Democracy The Political System of Islam
Present Situation
Conclusion
From the Paper "This verse cannot be used to justify unlawfully comprised authority, as that would mean taking the Quranic verses out of context and changing their actual meaning. Looking at verse 4:59 in conjunction with verses 42:38 and 3:159, one can clearly deduct that the Quran means for Muslims to obey their democratically elected leaders. Therefore the formation of a legitimate, democratically elected authority is of fundamental significance. The idea of shura can be reinterpreted to confirm the modern view of democracy, including the creation of diverse democratic associations in which democratic appointment is obligatory."
Abstract This paper attempts to answer certain questions about America concerning religion, law, liberalism, and democracy and looks at how they intersect in society.
From the Paper "Kathleen M Sullivan undertook an exploration of religion and its intersection with a liberal democracy and commented that the unstated corollary of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U S Constitution is the affirmative creation of a secular civil order. The creation of such a civil order has, in Sullivan's view, the effect of prohibiting government from coercing, endorsing or even perhaps acknowledging the religious beliefs held by its citizenry. Sullivan states that just as the affirmative right to practice..."
Abstract This paper examines how and what Adolf Hitler may have considered to be a concept of democracy. It looks at how democracy and Hitler crossed paths on numerous occasions and reviews a number of Hitler's known ideas and public utterances and provides some speculation and interpretation regarding Hitler's opinions about the democratic philosophy. It also attempts to show how Adolf Hitler manipulated the democratic process because of how he understood the concept; in order for him to attain true power, the German people needed to elect him into office.
Outline
Introduction
Democracy Hitler, the Checks and Balance System of Democracy Hitler and the Competition of Ideas Essential for Democracy Hitler and the Freedom of Expression
Hitler and the Freedom of Religion Hitler and Exercise of Power Through Elected Representatives and the Right to Vote
Hitler and Economical System of the Democratic Style of Government (Capitalism)
Conclusion
From the Paper "Adolf Hitler was obviously not a pious man. ?The Old Testament conceived of as a volume written to expound the nationalistic philosophy of the Jewish race is now a favorite item on the Nazi cultural menu. Rosenberg writes in Mythus des 20n Jahrhunderts (Myth of the 20th Century): 'As a book of religion, the Old Testament must be done away with once and for all. That will end the unsuccessful attempt of 1500 years to turn us mentally into Jews.? (Hitler) In the sense that freedom of religion is an essential part of a democratic way of life, Adolf Hitler was totally against several religions other than Judaism. But because his position was strong against the Jews, all of democracy was wrong because of the concept associated with a freedom of religion."
Abstract This paper examines how the book, "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, considers the phenomenon of democracy as it manifests itself in the United States. It looks at how, apart from legislative authority, democracy carries with it certain dangers that, if not properly dealt with, will result in despotism by the majority.
Outline
The Love for Equality
Individualism
Materialism
The Preservation of Liberty in the Face of Democracy Association and Press
Religion De Tocqueville's Relevance
From the Paper "The main premise for this argument include the sovereignty of the people and the power of public opinion. De Tocqueville sensibly argues that equality precludes the importance of any one person's rule over another, since nobody can claim to be more important than any other. However, to establish order in society, a certain rulership has to be established. The only way to achieve this is by the rulership of the majority, which then can lead to despotism. This happens by means of tyranny of the majority. Because everybody is seen as equal, no opinion is more important than any other. Thus, the opinion of the majority is in effect adhered to, in order to satisfy the majority. A further implication of equality is that the minority, being equal to the majority, has not right to disagree with the majority, as this implies that such an opinion is more important than that of the majority. This is the basis of despotism; that the minority is helpless to resist the general opinion, and thus liberty is undermined."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the basic principles of democracy, which originated with the process of Enlightenment. This paper focuses on the current Iranian government and the authoritarian leadership which require their supporters to blindly obey them. This writer contends and explains that the movement to freedom and democracy in Iran necessitates drifting away from this blind obedience. To promote freedom and democracy in Iran, several pre-conditions are required, including the separation of religion and state. This paper details the numerous obstacles standing in the way, including the fact that Iran is sandwiched between the two sub-regions of the Persian Gulf and Central/Northwest Asia, which accounts for the negative impact on Iran's political climate.
From the Paper "The liberal democracy indicates to a system that signifies voting by people for free elections to fill the top administrative ranks in legislative and executive branches, while the rights of those holding a minority perspective is safeguarded. Mores, ethos and other values among the population are quite prevalent for enduring democracy and freedom. In some cases the democratic set up has been established but the democratic system failed to establish itself. One of the element which functions as a basis for the rise and consolidation of democracy is the link between the people and the leadership which can be perceived in two respects of absolutism and pluralism. The absolutist concept is associated with the blind adherence to the related utilization of force to suppress those who disagree."
Tags: iran, middle, east, political, government, international, islam, religion, state
Abstract This paper examines some of the relationships between religion and politics that have emerged in different historical contexts in different parts of the world, with a concentration on the United States. It looks at some of the many ways in which religion is influenced and, in turn, influences politics and how politics and power are configured in the world today. It is based on four main readings: Frank Lambert's "Founding Fathers and the Place of Religion in America"; Michael Perry's "Under God? Faith and Liberal Democracy"; and the political writings of Augustine and Aquinas.
From the Paper "Through his book, Lambert traces the origin of two sets of what he terms "spiritual fathers" who had a guiding hand in the development of religion in the early United States: one set, the "Planting Fathers" who brought with them, as we have seen, the dream of building "a city on a hill" i.e., old world ideas about the place of religion in society; the next set, the "Founding Fathers", he identifies by their act of constitutionalizing religion in the early days of the formation of the United States. As he argues, in the first section of the book, the "Planting Fathers" proselythized the "one true faith", whereas the Founding Fathers, rather, emphasized religious freedom over the puritanical nature of religion."
Abstract This paper argues that the logic of a democratisation based on the notion of 'ruptura pactada' (rupture based on mutual agreements) has enabled the Spanish government to address peacefully the issues of the form of government, the place of religion and the question of historic nationalism, by making concessions to satisfy the whole Spanish political class. It looks at how nevertheless, this consensual solution has been revealing its high fragility since Spain's 'second' debut as a democracy, in particular in the domain of autonomous and independence aspirations among Spanish regions. It discusses to what extent the logic of 'ruptura pactada' can be considered as to have inherent weaknesses which would undermine a peaceful democratic consolidation in Spain.
Outline:
The Making of Spain's Transition to Democracy Under the Principle of 'Policy of Consensus' or Also Called 'Ruptura Pactada'
The Drafting of the 1978 Constitution: The Application of the Principle of 'Ruptura Pactada' In Political Negotiations
The Fragility of the Consensus: The Emergence of Strong Contestations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Juan Antonio Ortega Diaz-Ambrona insists on that, in the perspective of Franco's imminent death, the National Movement (the Francoist political platform of the dictatorship), was extremely divided as for the way Spanish politics should be managed in the future. Indeed, the Francoist political elite was divided between the inmovilistas (the "fixed ones") who advocated the "continuity", which means that the Francoist political regime, as defined by the "Fundamental principles" (Principios Fundamentales) established in 1958, should continue after Franco's death, and the aperturistas (the "open ones") who favoured a direction towards a more liberalised and democratic regime (ORTEGA DIAZ-AMBRONA, 1984: 21-22). Carlos Arias Navarro replaced Carrero Blanco at the head of the government but the Francoist government faced serious difficulties to get unanimous support for a new law of political associations in February 1974. "
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Democracy in America" written by 19th century Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville. The paper examines Tocqueville's views on the American political system. The paper explores what Tocqueville said about the isolation of individuals which results due to self-interest, claiming it could be solved by using religion as an instrument for making alliances among the members which would lead them to make a united effort and activity. The paper claims that this, according to Tocqueville is essential for sustaining democratic forms of government.
From the Paper "In every era of equality each man looks for his beliefs within his self and in the era of equality men are unconnected of one another, isolated, and frail. (Vol: 2; Section 1: Chapter: 3) In a democratic society, the citizens are extremely defenseless, however the state, that characterize them all and holds them all its clutches, is extremely authoritative. In no other form of administration, citizens are irrelevant as in a democratic country. (Vol: 2; Section 1: Chapter: 12) Alexis de Tocqueville was of the view that increased forms of equality tend to move towards isolation. In case of a democratic nation where all the citizens enjoy equal status, and are observed from a proximal distance from each other, individuals are cocooned within themselves and contend upon evaluating the world from that standpoint."
Abstract This paper offers the perspective that Islam sends contradictory messages about the validity of pluralism and democracy. The paper defines democracy and its manifestations as well as the militant forms of both Islam and democracy. The focus of the paper is on Islam as a religious belief system that shaped social, political, cultural relations in many nation-states.
From the Paper "Democracy is often characterized as a method of giving all citizens in a nation-state a share in political decision making. However, the word democracy is used in a number of different ways. Direct democracies are distinguished from representative democracies in that the latter reflect governance systems in which voters select their favored representatives. Democracy is also manifested by different types of representative systems with degrees of participation integral to the determination of the nature of the democracy."
Abstract 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".
Abstract This paper examines the way in which religion has been used in three cases to attempt to solve social and political problems. It begins by discussing the way Christianity has assisted in promoting positive environmental issues. It then looks at the way Islam has been used in order to restore peace in the world through the establishment of the Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy. Finally the paper examines the collaboration of faith groups to promote health.
From the Paper "Religion is an integral component in the lives of many individuals as well as of many societies as a whole. In the modern world, conflict appears to be inevitable; therefore, many people and groups are seeking creative, innovative ways to solve complicated problems and negotiate differences between opposing parties. Organized religions from Christianity to Islam to Buddhism attempt to offer solutions to problems presented in the modern era. In some cases, the values promoted by different organized religions may help to solve social problems by promoting peace, tolerance, strong communities, freedom, and equality. "
Looks at the position of women in the various world religions based on a collection of readings from "World Religions" by editors Arvind Sharma and Katherine K. Young.
Abstract This paper explains that the Hindu inclusion of the feminist reform and succession translates into modern philosophical objectives common to the feminism approach; whereas, women of the Buddhist faith are often subjected to restrictions. The author points out that Jewish and Christian feminists have worked to obtain equality in the obtaining of religious education methods and tools, which has modified their restrictive traditions. The paper points out that the Islamic religion is the most oppressive religion in terms of women's rights and the feminist movement in general. Islamic women are most often treated as outsiders to the religion.
Table of Contents:
Hinduism and Buddhism's Feminist Theories and Thoughts
The Value of Confucianism and Taoism's Feminist Contributions
Judaism and Christianity
The Islamic Religion
From the Paper "Taoism's feminist contributions to the overarching conceptual discernment of a religion in tradition lay broad for several reasons. In particular, the female has long since been accounted equally through the religious and sociological aspects of Taoism, which has caused the mirrored development of feminism outward to the inwards of basis for other derivations of religions. Gender equality has existed in Taoism since its earliest years through the non-restrictive availability and opportunity for attaining spiritual enlightenment, growth and dissection."
Tags: egalitarian taoism, social construction, democracy outsiders
Abstract This paper examines how religion has played an essential role in the development of the American political system. The author discusses how from the time of the arrival of the early Puritans, religion has influenced political leaders, played a role in the lives of the founding fathers, and significantly impacted the American Revolution, and the Articles of Confederation and the American Constitution.
From the Paper "Religion played an important role in the founding of the first American colonies by the Puritans. The very name "Puritan" came from the religious sect's desire to "purify" the Church of England. The Puritan religion has its roots in the 1500s and 1600s in England. The Puritans believed that English churches had not completed the Reformation of Henry VIII. As such, they rejected many of the ideals of the major religious denominations of that time. The Puritans believed that anything that did not have a solid basis in the Bible should be removed from the church, including Christmas (Miller)."
This is an argument for the libertarian conception of self-ownership as the foundation for democracy, as opposed to other values such as republican non-domination and deliberative democracy, with treatment of empirical work on the phenomenon of voter igno
Abstract This paper looks at the notion of western democracy, and how by its very definition, impinges on our everyday lives. The author defines democracy, and looks at what democracy was intended to be, and how, as government expanded, and its influence expanded that democracy has had the opposite affect, and is not limiting our freedoms. The author also suggest ways in which we can regain the benefits that democracy was designed to provide.
From the Paper "Indeed, if we did otherwise, we would be treating people not as full members of the community among equals, but as sheep unto a shepherd, or a child unto a parent. While such relationships are certainly appropriate between the incompetent and the competent, they can hardly be countenanced for the competent, who are entitled to their own private sphere in which they can determine the meaning of their experiences and define their own ends. After all, since people are different, and even individuals change through time, no one can better know his own conception of the good and his unique set of ends better than the individual himself. The state, far removed from the individual, is in no position to make that determination, and therefore, must be neutral to conceptions of the good. The state's disallowing one to choose for himself the sort of life he leads is, in fact, a principal criterion by which we can judge its goodness."
Tags: deliberative, democracy, domination, libertarianism, non, republican, republicanism
A study on democracy in Iraq, looking at how much progress the country has made towards establishing democracy, the quality of its democracy and how well its institutions are functioning.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper takes three of the fourteen topics provided on the Democratic Audit web site and apply them to a study of democracy in Iran. Specifically, the paper assesses the country's progress towards democracy, the quality of its democracy, and the functioning of its institutions - all by using the following three topics as a "measuring stick". These topics are a) civil and political rights, b) economic and social rights, and c) the extent of participation in the political process by various Iranian citizens.
