Philosophy. Study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence.

Astra Taylor (2019) quipped that 'Democracy may not exist but we will miss it when it’s gone': a timely remark as the discussion grows concerning the ‘crisis of democracy’ in the current world situation.

During this course, we will study the philosophical and historical roots of democratic systems; why they emerge and why they falter. We will discuss the core elements that make a democracy ‘democratic’ and test various kinds of democracies against the ideal. We will also discuss philosophers, from the Ancient Greeks, Magna Carta (1215), through Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America), to the present situation. Issues include checks and balances, suffrage, rights and responsibilities, separation of powers, equality, capitalism, and more. Finally, we will consider the theory that democracy is in crisis and the responses to this idea.

Aims

The aims of this course are to:

• provide an overview of the origins and complexities of the many theories of 'democracy'
• make the connection between the history of democracy and the development of contemporary politics, from the ancient world to now
• demonstrate the important role that democracy played in the changing philosophical ideas of what it means to be human
• provide an understanding of the interrelation between democracy and capitalism
• demonstrate the complex nature of the contemporary political situation and the possibility of change.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• i