Democracy

1. Aristotle

• democracy: – technical term people come to power

– development over thousands of years

– different theories about democracy

1. Aristotle

• life history: – lived more then 300 years BC

– Greek philosopher

1. Aristotle

• theory of democracy

• realized that existing system had no future

• term of democracy: when people, who are poor and free, are the majority and have the power in the state and use it only for their advantage

1. AristotleThe four steps

1st step

compares different systems of governmentaim of the power: public welfare(good)

aim of the power:Self-interest of the monarch (bad)

one monarch monarchy tyranny

few monarchs aristocracy oligarchy

many monarchs “Politie” democracy

1. Aristotle

• 2nd step

differences between oligarchy and democracy under following aspects:

– rich or poor

– free or unfree

– majority or minority

1. Aristotle

• 3rd step

results:– there are different kinds of systems of government

(for example moderate and extreme kinds of democracy)

– you need some preconditions

1. Aristotle

• 4rd step

best system of government– mixture of democracy and oligarchy ”Politie”

Theory of Rousseau

His view of the individual• Free, equal, peaceful

• Property and civilization

conflicts and control

Theory• All free and moral citizens are part of the

mutual contract

• Unique and valid at all times and forever

• Re-establishment of the liberty and equality of the people before civilization had set in

Theory• All free and moral citizens are part of the

mutual contract

• Unique and valid at all times and forever

• Re-establishment of the liberty and equality of the people before civilization had set in

Achievements• Distinction between executive, legislative

and judicial powers

Problems/ risks• Abuse of power

• Who decides about what is right for the public interest?

Karl Marx

sources

http://turnthebeatup.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/wpid-marxism_key_terms3.jpeg

http://socialism.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/marxism_anarchism.jpg

http://www.dradio.de/images/32856/square/