Democracy and Goodness

A Historicist Political Theory

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Democracy and Goodness by John R. Wallach, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John R. Wallach ISBN: 9781108529853
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: January 18, 2018
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: John R. Wallach
ISBN: 9781108529853
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: January 18, 2018
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Citizens, political leaders, and scholars invoke the term 'democracy' to describe present-day states without grasping its roots or prospects in theory or practice. This book clarifies the political discourse about democracy by identifying that its primary focus is human activity, not consent. It points out how democracy is neither self-legitimating nor self-justifying and so requires critical, ethical discourse to address its ongoing problems, such as inequality and exclusion. Wallach pinpoints how democracy has historically depended on notions of goodness to ratify its power. The book analyses pivotal concepts of democratic ethics such as 'virtue', 'representation', 'civil rightness', 'legitimacy', and 'human rights' and looks at them as practical versions of goodness that have adapted democracy to new constellations of power in history. Wallach notes how democratic ethics should never be reduced to power or moral ideals. Historical understanding needs to come first to highlight the potentials and prospects of democratic citizenship.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Citizens, political leaders, and scholars invoke the term 'democracy' to describe present-day states without grasping its roots or prospects in theory or practice. This book clarifies the political discourse about democracy by identifying that its primary focus is human activity, not consent. It points out how democracy is neither self-legitimating nor self-justifying and so requires critical, ethical discourse to address its ongoing problems, such as inequality and exclusion. Wallach pinpoints how democracy has historically depended on notions of goodness to ratify its power. The book analyses pivotal concepts of democratic ethics such as 'virtue', 'representation', 'civil rightness', 'legitimacy', and 'human rights' and looks at them as practical versions of goodness that have adapted democracy to new constellations of power in history. Wallach notes how democratic ethics should never be reduced to power or moral ideals. Historical understanding needs to come first to highlight the potentials and prospects of democratic citizenship.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Fundamentals of Plasma Physics by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Genoese Trade and Migration in the Spanish Atlantic, 1700–1830 by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Quality and Safety in Women's Health by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Bishops, Authority and Community in Northwestern Europe, c.1050–1150 by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Referendums and the European Union by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Evidence for Health by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Bridging the Gap between Aristotle's Science and Ethics by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Human Rights in Emergencies by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book X-Rays and Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book The 'Red Terror' and the Spanish Civil War by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book The European Book in the Twelfth Century by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Tying the Autocrat's Hands by John R. Wallach
Cover of the book Repeated Games by John R. Wallach
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy