Opening page…
Should everyone's vote count the same?
Some philosophers propose a basic knowledge test before anyone can vote. Democracy gives an equal voice to people whose judgment you may not trust.
Your answer
A little context
On election day the person ahead of you in line says he's voting for whoever has the friendlier face. His vote and yours will count exactly the same, and you've read about the issues for weeks. It feels unfair for about a minute, until you wonder who would decide which of you is fit to vote.
Read alongside it1
ReadingThe omnipotence of the majorityI am not so much alarmed at the excessive liberty which reigns in that country as at the very inadequate securities which exist against tyranny. The majority has a natural power of action; it is the only power that may be dreaded. The minority has no means of resisting it, because the majority is always found to be in possession of both the physical and the moral power.
I am not so much alarmed at the excessive liberty which reigns in that country as at the very inadequate securities which exist against tyranny. The majority has a natural power of action; it is the only power that may be dreaded. The minority has no means of resisting it, because the majority is always found to be in possession of both the physical and the moral power.
Nearby questions
- Are people basically good?Mencius said anyone who saw a child about to fall into a well would feel a jolt of alarm. Xunzi answered that people are born selfish and only learn to be good. Answer from what you've seen people do when nobody was making them.
- Does anyone deserve to suffer?Imagine that punishing someone guilty would deter nobody, protect nobody and change nothing. Many people still feel it should happen.
- Born on the other sideWhat gives you a stronger claim to a safe, prosperous country than someone born just across its border?
- Is it ever right to break the law?Rosa Parks broke a law and is remembered as a hero. Plenty of people who break laws believe they are right too.
- Write the rules, then be bornYou must design society before finding out whether you will be rich or poor, healthy or ill, powerful or ignored. Which rules would you refuse to leave to luck?
