An Imperfect Fit: Advanced democracy and human nature - Softcover

Klemes, Vit

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412017890 ISBN 13: 9781412017893

Publisher: Trafford Publishing, 2006

Synopsis

If man is not "fundamentally good" as the ideologues of modern democracy claim, then, argues the author, its improvements can only lead to its self-destruction.

About this title

Synopsis:

The defining characteristic of modern liberal democrats has been their belief that man is 'fundamentally good' and that the goodness of his nature will come to the surface once he is freed from oppression and want and his actions are guided by 'free choice'. This belief can now be put to the test in the advanced democracies of the West which have essentially satisfied these conditions thus providing man with an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the fundamental goodness of human nature in practice. In An Imperfect Fit the author offers a picture of its manifestations and it is not too bright. It shows their growing divergence from the cherished belief in all three dimensions of democracy - liberty, equality, and fraternity. But it also shows a stubborn refusal of democratic establishments to face this reality and their ever greater determination to make the dream come true by forcing the 'fundamental goodness' on man's nature from above by 'perfecting' the system. In this the author sees the greatest danger facing democracy today - 'outdemocratizing' itself into self-destruction.

About this edition

• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1412017890
• ISBN 13: 9781412017893
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 346