The Constitution of Equality

Democratic Authority and Its Limits

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book The Constitution of Equality by Thomas Christiano, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Christiano ISBN: 9780191613913
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 10, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Thomas Christiano
ISBN: 9780191613913
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 10, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

What is the ethical basis of democracy? And what reasons do we have to go along with democratic decisions even when we disagree with them? And when do we have reason to say that we may justly ignore democratic decisions? These questions must be answered if we are to have answers to some of the most important questions facing our global community, which include whether there is a human right to democracy and whether we must attempt to spread democracy throughout the globe. This book provides a philosophical account of the moral foundations of democracy and of liberalism. It shows how democracy and basic liberal rights are grounded in the principle of public equality, which tells us that in the establishment of law and policy we must treat persons as equals in ways they can see are treating them as equals. The principle of public equality is shown to be the fundamental principle of social justice. This account enables us to understand the nature and roles of adversarial politics and public deliberation in political life. It gives an account of the grounds of the authority of democracy. It also shows when the authority of democracy runs out. The author shows how the violations of democratic and liberal rights are beyond the legitimate authority of democracy, how the creation of persistent minorities in a democratic society, and the failure to ensure a basic minimum for all persons weaken the legitimate authority of democracy.

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

What is the ethical basis of democracy? And what reasons do we have to go along with democratic decisions even when we disagree with them? And when do we have reason to say that we may justly ignore democratic decisions? These questions must be answered if we are to have answers to some of the most important questions facing our global community, which include whether there is a human right to democracy and whether we must attempt to spread democracy throughout the globe. This book provides a philosophical account of the moral foundations of democracy and of liberalism. It shows how democracy and basic liberal rights are grounded in the principle of public equality, which tells us that in the establishment of law and policy we must treat persons as equals in ways they can see are treating them as equals. The principle of public equality is shown to be the fundamental principle of social justice. This account enables us to understand the nature and roles of adversarial politics and public deliberation in political life. It gives an account of the grounds of the authority of democracy. It also shows when the authority of democracy runs out. The author shows how the violations of democratic and liberal rights are beyond the legitimate authority of democracy, how the creation of persistent minorities in a democratic society, and the failure to ensure a basic minimum for all persons weaken the legitimate authority of democracy.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Philosophical Foundations of Labour Law by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Selected Letters by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Blackstone's Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Principles and Practice in EU Sports Law by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book The Law and Practice of the International Criminal Court by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Lykophron's Alexandra, Rome, and the Hellenistic World by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Linguistic Categorization by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Sartre on Sin by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book A Jesuit in the Forbidden City by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Behind the Lawrence Legend by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Toxic Aid by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book Oxford Studies in Metaethics 12 by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book The Idea of Arbitration by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book The Dual State by Thomas Christiano
Cover of the book The Wild Ass's Skin by Thomas Christiano
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