Does Democracy have intrinsic value or is it only as good as what it helps us achieve? We sit down with Kristina Vasic and chat about what Democracy is, whether it is for individual autonomy or collective autonomy, and the individual's place in systems of power. We chat about disenfranchisement, inequality, and what kids of political structures are best suited to challenge the status quo.

Kristina's Twitter

Show Notes:

1. Kristina’s Work: Kristina explains her research on puzzles within Democratic Theory, such as representation, political equality, and social equality. She also has an interest in theories of populism.

2. Fundamental Value of Democracy: Political equality, rather than personal autonomy, is the fundamental value of democracy. She defines political equality as equal opportunity to influence democratic outcomes.

3. Autonomy vs. Equality: Whether society is built to ensure individual autonomy or organized to benefit everyone. Kristina emphasizes that democracy's intrinsic value lies in political equality.

4. Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value: Discussing whether democracy has intrinsic value or if it's instrumental in achieving other values, such as social equality.

5. Rule Over None: Kolodny’s article "Rule Over None" to illustrate the necessity of equal political power for social equality. She argues that social equality is compromised without equal political power.

6. Relational Equality: About relational equality, where everyone should be treated as moral equals. This includes being concerned about how political power and social hierarchies affect equality.

7. Non-Ideal Circumstances: How, in non-ideal circumstances, social equality might require political inequality to support marginalized groups.

8. Moral Justification: Kristina emphasizes the importance of moral justification for representation and the necessity of accountability and responsiveness in representatives.

9. Democratic Authority: Exploring democratic authority, arguing that democracy is required for social equality. She distinguishes between political equality as a baseline versus an ideal.

10. Historical Treatment of the Poor: The historical treatment of the poor, highlighting how perceptions and policies have changed over time, often dehumanizing and stigmatizing the poor.

11. Workhouses and Exploitation: Kristina discusses the exploitation of the poor in workhouses and institutions, emphasizing the shift from seeing poverty as a spiritual condition to a moral failing.

12. Contemporary Parallels: The conversation draws parallels between historical and contemporary views on poverty, showing how these views persist in modern policies.

13. Political Equality as an Ideal: Arguing for political equality as an ideal, independent of social equality, and criticizes views that reduce it to a mere baseline.

14. Practical Implications: Discussing policies like limiting campaign spending and providing universal basic income to address inequalities that undermine political equality.

15. Social Status and Inequality: Defining social status through political power, consideration, and concern, arguing that inequalities in these areas undermine social equality.

16. Punitive Measures and Disenfranchisement: The discussion touches on the disenfranchisement of convicted individuals and the broader implications for democracy and social equality.

17. Decentralization: Discussing decentralizing decision-making as a way to enhance social equality and political power at local levels.

18. Motivation and Impact: Kristina is driven by the ideal of social equality and aims for her research to contribute to reducing wealth disparities and achieving greater social justice.

References:

1. Niko Kolodny - A democratic theorist known for his work on political equality and social equality.

2. Daniel Viehoff - A democratic theorist engaged in debates about political equality and social equality.

3. Thomas Cristiano - Philosopher known for his work on democracy, justice, and political philosophy.

4. Elizabeth Anderson - Philosopher who writes about democratic equality and social equality.

5. Saint Francis of Assisi - Patron saint of poverty, known for his voluntary poverty.

6. Jeremy Bentham - Philosopher known for his design of the Panopticon and work on utilitarianism.

7. Edmund Burke - Philosopher and statesman known for his thoughts on society and the poor.

8. Thomas Malthus - Economist known for his theories on population and poverty.

9. Francis Galton - Eugenicist and statistician, cousin of Charles Darwin.

10. Aldous Huxley - Author known for his works on society and human nature.

11. Angela Davis - Political activist, scholar, and author known for her work on prison abolition and social justice.

12. Tommy Shelby - Philosopher known for his work on race, social justice, and prison abolition.

13. Ambedkar - Dalit leader and the first Minister of Justice in India, known for his work on social equality.

14. William Petty - Early political economist known for his thoughts on poverty and wealth.

15. Hannah Pitkin - Political theorist known for her work on representation.

16. Bell Hooks - Author and social activist known for her works on intersectionality and feminism.