WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “DEMOCRACY?”

We have seen that there are at least two distinctive conceptions of “democracy,” beginning with a strongly influential libertarian view that emphasizes plebiscite forms of democracy, vis-à-vis feminist and Habermasian accounts that emphasize, rather, the importance of dialogue and debate shaped by rational argument, diverse narratives, and ethical commitments to equality, freedom, solidarity, and perspective-taking. (Depending on how far you and your class care to

go in these directions, you can also explore a third alternative – communitarian democracy – which stresses service to the common or public good: see Abramson et al. 1988, 22–5 for an early account.)

Given these two poles as a starting point:

(A) Articulate as best you can what you see as the best and most desirable form(s) of democratic polity and processes – especially as these might be facilitated by digital media and networked communication.

(B) Identify where your notion of democracy lies on a continuum between the two poles of more libertarian or more feminist/Habermasian forms of democracy.

(C) Can you offer arguments, evidence, and/or other forms of warrant that would support and justify your choices? These can come in at least two forms: arguments, etc., for your own choices, and/or arguments, etc., criticizing the alternative(s).