Gender Balance: Because it’s 2015.
“This reminds me of Plato’s ideas about women in the Republic,” said Norm. “How surprising,” quipped Ira wryly, “Norm brings it back to the Republic.”… Continue reading Gender Balance: Because it’s 2015.
Day 17 (p. 294 to 312): Tocqueville argues that the majority does not have a right to vote for whatever laws it wants, but is limited by what is just. But who decides what is just and enforces it, if not the majority?
“…freedom of opinion does not exist in America (p. 307)”. This is not the opening line of Tocqueville’s chapter entitled, ‘Unlimited Power of the… Continue reading Day 17 (p. 294 to 312): Tocqueville argues that the majority does not have a right to vote for whatever laws it wants, but is limited by what is just. But who decides what is just and enforces it, if not the majority?
Day 16 (p. 273 to 293): Tocqueville suggests that democracy is a trade-off. Its aim is not to secure for you good government but, rather, a good life. If we limit our democracy in order to make better laws, such as free trade, do we inevitably make society weaker?
If you want to restore your faith in democracy, read pages 282 to 293 of Democracy in America. Tocqueville very eloquently makes a number of… Continue reading Day 16 (p. 273 to 293): Tocqueville suggests that democracy is a trade-off. Its aim is not to secure for you good government but, rather, a good life. If we limit our democracy in order to make better laws, such as free trade, do we inevitably make society weaker?
Day 15 (p. 249 to 272) Tocqueville shows how human nature plays a role in how public servants are paid and how long democracies can carry on war. His reflections on war echo Kant’s essay on Perpetual Peace, in which Kant envisions the League of Nations, the United Nations and, perhaps, even the European Union.
One of the most interesting things about reading Tocqueville is seeing how his understanding of human nature plays out in his interpretation of society and… Continue reading Day 15 (p. 249 to 272) Tocqueville shows how human nature plays a role in how public servants are paid and how long democracies can carry on war. His reflections on war echo Kant’s essay on Perpetual Peace, in which Kant envisions the League of Nations, the United Nations and, perhaps, even the European Union.
Day 14 (p. 228 to 249, part 2): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as representatives who aren’t top notch. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides. Can we adopt different voting systems to increase the quality of our politicians?
Another concern with unlimited democracy, according to Tocqueville, is its tendency to put the powers of government in the hands of people who are likely… Continue reading Day 14 (p. 228 to 249, part 2): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as representatives who aren’t top notch. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides. Can we adopt different voting systems to increase the quality of our politicians?
Day 13 (p. 228 to 249, part 1): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as overspending and disorganized administration. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides.
“Democracy, carried to its furthest limits, is therefore prejudicial to the art of government… (p. 244)”. Tocqueville continues with his theme that unlimited democracy… Continue reading Day 13 (p. 228 to 249, part 1): Too much democracy can lead to problems, such as overspending and disorganized administration. Tocqueville examines things that can help mitigate these downsides.
Day 12 (p. 207 to 227 continued): Unrestricted freedom of association can be dangerous in some cases, such as states that lack universal suffrage. Is the demand for democracy exceeding its supply today?
Tocqueville considers whether restrictions should be placed on the freedom of association, particularly with respect to political parties. Tocqueville turns his attention to… Continue reading Day 12 (p. 207 to 227 continued): Unrestricted freedom of association can be dangerous in some cases, such as states that lack universal suffrage. Is the demand for democracy exceeding its supply today?
Day 11 (p. 207 to 227) Tocqueville argues that the multitude is not wise, yet in a democracy, it governs. Should it? Or should the government be aristocratic – if not in people, then in principle?
Tocqueville makes some interesting and, to us, rather shocking claims about the freedoms of the press and association, which we take largely for granted… Continue reading Day 11 (p. 207 to 227) Tocqueville argues that the multitude is not wise, yet in a democracy, it governs. Should it? Or should the government be aristocratic – if not in people, then in principle?
Day 10 (p. 186 to 206): Tocqueville explores the parties in America and finds democratic and aristocratic tendencies at play. Is it aristocratic to oppose a national daycare program? Is supply-management undemocratic?
After explaining that not all countries could adopt a federal system similar to America’s because other countries face greater political challenges than America, such… Continue reading Day 10 (p. 186 to 206): Tocqueville explores the parties in America and finds democratic and aristocratic tendencies at play. Is it aristocratic to oppose a national daycare program? Is supply-management undemocratic?
Day 9 (p.166 to 186): Tocqueville argues that the wisdom of the founding fathers gave America a government that is strong enough to defend itself, but not so strong as to oppress the people, much like Plato’s guardians. Were the founding fathers philosopher-kings?
“The Union is as happy and as free as a small people, and as glorious and as strong as a great nation (p.186)”. Tocqueville… Continue reading Day 9 (p.166 to 186): Tocqueville argues that the wisdom of the founding fathers gave America a government that is strong enough to defend itself, but not so strong as to oppress the people, much like Plato’s guardians. Were the founding fathers philosopher-kings?