Democracy as a Universal Value By Amartya Sen

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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