Human nature vs. democracy

Auteurs

• Ludwig M. Auer

Paramètres

• Sciences politiques & Politique

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Modern liberal democracy is often hailed as the ideal political system, yet it exists fully in less than five percent of countries and is in decline in many Western nations. This book argues that democracy is endangered due to intrinsic flaws, particularly the inadequate consideration of "human nature." Citizens, referred to as "We, the people," are encouraged to prioritize "freedom from society" over "membership in society," leading to libertinism, hedonism, and polarization that can fracture communities. To address this escalating crisis, the author proposes several solutions: educating citizens in the ethics of reciprocal altruism, professionalizing politics, and shifting towards evidence-based decision-making. This approach aims to eliminate the distractions of politicking, personal agendas, and the divisive nature of political parties, which often mask class warfare as "interest-group pluralism." Drawing on his expertise in human biology and psychology, the author explores philosophical and political issues surrounding democracy, referencing both historical and contemporary literature. He emphasizes the potential of scientific knowledge to inform and improve the socialization of the "human factor," ultimately seeking to enhance the democratic process.

Achat du livre

• Année de publication: 2019