Understanding Democracy: From Ancient Greece to Modern Systems
Democracy: From Ancient Greece to Modern Systems
Democracy is a government of the people, where those who are held accountable are chosen by the people. Representatives must be from the legitimate majority. It originated in Athens, where citizens met and deliberated. However, there are a series of differences and similarities between Greek democracy and today’s democracy.
Differences Between Athenian and Modern Democracy
- Athenian communities were compact and homogenous.
- Athenians understood the state as an abstraction separate from the city.
- There was no distinction between public and private life; all participated in decision-making.
Similarities Between Athenian and Modern Democracy
- Decisions are based on rational argument.
- Intrinsic relationship between politics, citizenship, and participation.
- Important role of civic education.
Protective Democracy
Interpreted by Madison, Bentham, and James Mill in the 18th and 20th centuries. The principle of freedom is that democracy is interested in market freedom. All citizens have equal rights to buy and sell. The democratic system guarantees freedom of the town and protects it from the abuse of the government. This is secured by the division of powers (judicial, executive, legislature). Elected officials are chosen by the people. Companies and the electoral system are entitled to publicity. Everyone has the right to a secret vote, and periodically held elections are how decisions are made.
Developmental Democracy
Human beings need to develop in society. Democracy helps us reach moral maturity. We are able to think of the common good over our own interest.
Elitist Democracy
An invention of Joseph Schumpeter, who defends that democracy is not the government of the people, but the people choose the government. Democracy is a market mechanism. It is a more realistic criticism of democracy, which he considers utopian and vague.
Participatory Democracy
The most important concept of democracy is that it brings us closer to how democracy *should* be. The most important thing for human beings is moral maturity, and autonomy is vital to achieving participation. It is very important to participate actively. Two proposed changes are:
- Decentralize state power and divide it among municipalities.
- Create participatory schools, hospitals, and bridges between the state and citizens to foster responsibility.
Moral Maturity
Kohlberg invented a process on the road to moral maturity, which begins with heteronomy and ends with autonomy. This process has three levels:
- Pre-conventional Level: Heteronomous. The subject does not guide his reason and only understands what meets their interests. They think about the consequences of things, whether something is good or bad, or if it brings a reward or punishment. It is the maximum level of moral immaturity, moved by egoistic impulses. Actions undertaken are not universal.
- Conventional Level: The subject believes that the rules are what matches what is needed to live in society. The subject is considered a member of the community and uncritically accepts what society accepts. It is a little less heteronomous.
- Post-conventional Level: The subject distinguishes his principles through his consciousness. He is a member of humanity, autonomous, and mature.