Pettit, Freedom as non-domination

Question 1

What does Pettit say about interference, domination, and arbitrary power?

Answer 1

• Domination arises when someone (or an institution) can interfere with your choices at will, without considering your interests, even if they choose not to exercise that power
• Interference becomes domination when it is arbitrary and controlled by the will of others
• Therefore, Pettit argues that non-domination requires institutional safeguards to protect people from arbitrary interference
• Your enjoyment of freedom is contingent upon someone’s goodwill

Question 2

Points about republicanism and institutional design

Answer 2

• Emphasizes the importance of political institutions that make power contestable
• Republican freedom prioritizes protecting individuals from domination, not simply avoiding interference
• Republicanism entails pluralism and the ideal of freedom of non-domination is inherently dynamic – conversation between multiple perspectives
• The primary purpose of government is to promote freedom as non-domination, ensuring that no group or individual holds arbitrary power over others. This is ensured through the separation of powers, checks and balances, and legal protection against arbitrary interference.

Question 3

According to Pettit, what is the primary purpose of republican government and how can this be achieved/enforced?

Answer 3

• The primary purpose of government is to promote freedom as non-domination, ensuring that no group or individual holds arbitrary power over others.
• This is ensured through the separation of powers, checks and balances, and legal protection against arbitrary interference.