Democracy as a Universal Value

Amartya SenBy

Main Points The value of democracy A Universal Value Arguments against Sen’s Defense

The Value of Democracy values, Sociology. the ideals, customs, institutions, etc., of a

society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom, or education, or negative, as cruelty, crime, or blasphemy.

The merits of the Value of Democracy Democracy has an Intrinsic Importance in human life

The right to choose, speak freely, etc. Generates political incentives Helps with the formation of other values

tolerance, liberty, equality, etc.

A Universal Value Sen argues that democracy is a universal

value, in that it has the ability to exist within all cultures. This is speaking strictly from a cultural standpoint

Democracy is not currently universally applicable in all parts as the world when other factors such as economics are considered.

Arguments against “Asian Values”

Asian cultures value discipline over freedom East Asian values are based on the authoritarian

writing of Confucius

Islam Islam intolerant of and hostile to individual

freedom

Sen’s Defense “Asian values”

Historically Asian cultures have valued political freedom, minority protection, and tolerance of pluralism.

The Indian Emperor Ashoka East Asia

Their values are not homogenous Their values are based on a variety of influences

Buddhism, and some Christianity

Sen’s Defense Islam

Throughout history there are many examples of tolerance toward individual freedom

Akbar in India, many Mogul emperors, and many Turkish emperors were “more tolerant than their European counterparts”

Like Asian cultures, Islamic cultures do not hold a set of homogenous beliefs which conflict with democratic values

Sen’s Defense No culture is based on a set of

homogenous beliefs All cultures are based on a variety of things

This creates a set of heterogeneous beliefs No culture will have a set of beliefs that

categorically conflicts with democracy

Summary The value of democracy A Universal Value Arguments against Sen’s Defense Questions?