Democracy as a Universal Value
By
Amartya Sen
Main Points
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The value of democracy
A Universal Value
Arguments against
Sen’s Defense
The Value of Democracy
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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.
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The merits of the Value of Democracy
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Democracy has an Intrinsic Importance in human life
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The right to choose, speak freely, etc.
Generates political incentives
Helps with the formation of other values
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tolerance, liberty, equality, etc.
A Universal Value
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Sen argues that democracy is a universal
value, in that it has the ability to exist within
all cultures.
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This is speaking strictly from a cultural standpoint
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Democracy is not currently universally applicable
in all parts as the world when other factors such
as economics are considered.
Arguments against
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“Asian Values”
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Asian cultures value discipline over freedom
East Asian values are based on the authoritarian
writing of Confucius
Islam
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Islam intolerant of and hostile to individual
freedom
Sen’s Defense
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“Asian values”
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Historically Asian cultures have valued political
freedom, minority protection, and tolerance of
pluralism.
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The Indian Emperor Ashoka
East Asia
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Their values are not homogenous
Their values are based on a variety of influences
 Buddhism, and some Christianity
Sen’s Defense
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Islam
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Throughout history there are many examples of
tolerance toward individual freedom
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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
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No culture is based on a set of
homogenous beliefs
All cultures are based on a variety of things
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This creates a set of heterogeneous beliefs
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No culture will have a set of beliefs that
categorically conflicts with democracy
Summary
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The value of democracy
A Universal Value
Arguments against
Sen’s Defense
Questions?