1. Democracy as a Universal ValueBy
Amartya Sen

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Arguments against “Asian Values” Islam
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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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