Connection of the Belief in Democracy and Belief in the Power of Human Reason - Research Paper Example

Democracy Democracy can simply be defined as the government of the people by the people and for the people (Spragens, 13). It is a system of government that is politically responsible for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections. The citizens of a country are expected to fully participate in politics and civil life without abuse of their human rights. Also, democracy is a rule of law whereby the laws and laid down procedures apply equally to each and every citizen according to Bohman and Regh (14). Leaders are chosen to represent the citizens’ interests in parliament and hence they (parliamentarians) should be accountable for their behavior in parliament. Elected leaders should listen to the people whom they represent and address their issues as expected. Passing a law in parliament requires support of the majority although the minority rights are also protected. Democracy also requires that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, through the adequate training of political party agents and officials who conduct the process (Spragens, 240). The role of the citizens is to be a public eye on how elected leaders are conducting themselves in office and give their opinions. It is the duty of all citizens to vote wisely, campaign for a particular candidate, protest against bad governance, and attend communal meetings. Meanwhile, participation should be voluntary and therefore devoid of coercion. In respect of democracy, all citizens are entitled to rights which should not be violated by anyone. The rights are contained in the international law which comprises of freedoms that citizens must enjoy including freedom of worship, expression, movement, association, assembly and culture. They are obliged to exercise these rights without violation or discrimination while at the same time respecting the rights of others. In democracy, the rule of law protects the citizens and their rights, and helps in the maintenance of order even as it controls the powers of the government (Spragens, 240). Reason Immanuel Kant defines reason as human beings’ ability to recognize material and immaterial self identify and understand issues, distinguish between facts and fiction, and judge propositions, comments and beliefs (Kant 15). Reason defines the nature of human beings for it is concerned with thinking processes, intelligence, and cognition. It is related to the concepts of science, language, mathematics, art and psychology. The ability to reason is referred to as rationality, hence human beings are said to be rational beings. A person who cannot reason is irrational. Therefore, according to Kant, rational beings should be able to understand themselves, distinguish between right and wrong, true and false, as well as fact and opinion. Kant maintains that the highest level of reasoning is achieved when human beings are able to establish universal laws. He says, “act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should be a universal law” (Kant 32). In a democratic society, individuals are free to accomplish their own objectives as they wish so long as they are governed by principles of reason which Kant called the ‘categorical imperative’. An action is only justified if it can fall under universal laws in Kant’s view (Kant 30). Since reason is part of human nature, human beings have the right to live politically. Unlike other animals, human beings are the only ones endowed with an innate capacity to acquire language and express their thoughts, ideas and feelings (Kant 34). Speech justifies what is pleasant or not, fair and unfair, or harmful and harmless. When treated fairly, human beings are the perfect animals but when denied their rights, they are the worst. When they lack morals, food and sex, they become perverse. Fair treatment is a political aspect and provision of rights is something of a societal organization. Reasoning helps people decide the type of community that is best for them (Kant, 30). Reason and Democracy The role of reason in politics is an important aspect in explaining liberal political practices and ideals. Reason serves as a vital tool for passing traditional themes or culture from one generation to the next. Aristotle argues that human beings are endowed with “a rational faculty exercised for the attainment of truth in things that are humanly good and bad” (Spragens 103). Hence, healthy political practices cannot be irrational. For instance, the freedom of expression does not allow election rigging through acts of bribery. It is irrational for candidates to bid for media representation whereby large coverage depends on the amount of money given by a particular candidate. This is a practice that underscores the freedom of expression. A rational society cannot be such less concerned with nature as far as resource allocation is concerned. Marginalized areas characterized by lack of rainfall and natural resources are sometimes deprived of their rights to economic benefits. Such discrepancies are often political in that resources are embezzled at the hands of corrupt politicians. A state and its members should possess moderate and adequate property. According to Locke, the rule of law implies, “to have one rule for rich and poor, for the favorite as court and the countryman at plough” (Locke, 36). This means that law applies to everyone irrespective of social class or gender. An ideal democracy incorporates the will of the people and considers their interests and opinions. A legitimate law making process evokes the ideals of rational legislation, full participation in politics and citizens’ self governance. An ideal democracy portrays an independent, strong political base characterized by practical reasoning of the citizens. A rational society emphasizes the rights of citizens to participate rather than viewing them as passive beneficiaries. A rational society allows its members to give their opinion on particular issues rather than dictate what is good for them. It insists on equality for all citizens and considers liberty, self reliance and perseverance as vital elements of good governance. It appreciates the value of divergent views and provides room for criticism as long as they are done on rational grounds. A democratic society is concerned with theequality of citizens, community participation, public good, transparency and accountability in governance, and prudent reason (Bohman & William, 297). Conclusion Psychologists assert that different circumstances determine whether a person is able to think rationally or not. Also, reason is opposed to feelings or emotions such that one cannot reason to be happy, sad or hate. Feelings and emotions are reflex actions - they just come. The ability to form judgments is a rational process as seen in mathematics and science. Human reason allows one to exercise his/her democratic rights, following the laid down laws while avoiding violation. It is through reason that human beings avoid breaking laws because they are aware of the repercussions. Good judgment enables one to determine who is a charismatic leader and who is not so as to vote wisely. Rational thinking does not accommodate election misdeeds such as rigging and being lured with money in order to vote. Rational thinking provides opinions and criticisms for good leadership and bad governance. In conclusion, therefore, there is the belief in democracy if one believes in the power of human reason. Works cited Bohman, James & Regh, William. Deliberative Democracy: Reason and Politics, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1997. Print.  Kant, Immanuel. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, 3rd Ed. Hackett. James W. Ellington. 1993. Print. Locke, John. Identity and Diversity", The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes, an Essay Concerning Human Understanding (12th Ed.) Rivington. 1824. Print. Spragens, Thomas. Reason and Democracy. Duke University Press. 1990. Print. Read More