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Political Science Democracy

Democracy

A History of Ideas

by (author) Boris DeWiel

Publisher
UBC Press
Initial publish date
Oct 2007
Category
Democracy, History & Theory, Political
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780774852470
    Publish Date
    Oct 2007
    List Price
    $32.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780774808026
    Publish Date
    Dec 2000
    List Price
    $34.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780774808019
    Publish Date
    Aug 2000
    List Price
    $95.00

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Description

What is democracy? Is it the movement toward united self-government in which equality is our highest value? Or is it about preserving the freedom of individuals? In Democracy: A History of Ideas, Boris DeWiel argues that neither of these popular definitions is correct. Inspired by Isaiah Berlin, he describes democracy as a contest of values. Equality and liberty, like justice and fairness, are among our ultimate ideals, but no single value is supreme. Because they conflict with each other, democracy is an endless battle of true yet contrary ideals.

About the author

Contributor Notes

Boris DeWiel teaches in the Department of Political Science at the University of Northern British Columbia.