sen, democracy as a universal value Flashcards
indian experience of democ.
when first gained independence in 1947, ppl didn’t know if they could govern themselves. but through a working democ., 1/2 a century later they’re doing pretty well
dem. and economic development
lee hypothesis: nondem. govts are better with economic growth, bc several countries (S Korea, China, etc) w authoriarian govts have been more economically successful than others like india and costa rica, but no solid general empirical evidence that its true
list of general “good policies” for econ. growth that dont preclude a dem. govt
no dem. country w relatively free press has ever experienced a famine
3 ways democracy enhances lives of citizens
1) political freedom part of human freedom in general, and excercising civil/social rights is part of a good life- they have intrinsic value
2) instrumental value in allowing citizens to express their views, keeping govts accountable
3) gives citizens opp. to learn from each other, and allows countries to develop their values- constructive value
dialogue is powerful tool for change; example of Indian discussions of smaller families being better leading to lower fertility rate; bc values change
what makes something a universal value?
ppl everywhere have REASON to value it (even if they actually object to it)
why is dem. a universal value?
- over time, its adherents have grown, not shrunk
- while some say those who are poor have reason to reject it bc they need bread more than they need dem., dem.s protective capabilities are GOOD for this and also little evidence that poor ppl dont want democracy
arg. that cultural difference precludes democracy
most often put forth about “asian countries” bc they apparently value discipline over political freedom
but,
-asia is incredibly diverse, no one group that homogenously values discipline and not political freeodm
-confucious himself doesn’t support blind political allegiance
