The Value Theory of Democracy

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 259-278, October 2006

21 Pages Posted: 24 Jan 2011

See all articles by Corey L. Brettschneider

Corey L. Brettschneider

Brown University - Department of Political Science; Fordham University School of Law

Date Written: October 1, 2006

Abstract

Liberal political theorists often argue that justice requires limits on policy outcomes, limits delineated by substantive rights. Distinct from this project is a body of literature dedicated to elaborating on the meaning of democracy in procedural terms. In this article, I offer an alternative to the traditional divide between procedural theories of democracy and substantive theories of justice; I call this the ‘value theory of democracy.’ I argue that the democratic ideal is fundamentally about a core set of values (political autonomy, equality of interests, and reciprocity) with both procedural and substantive implications. Further, I contend that limits on policy outcomes can be newly understood as part of the democratic ideal.

Keywords: democracy, rights, substantive, procedural, Habermas

Suggested Citation

Brettschneider, Corey, The Value Theory of Democracy (October 1, 2006). Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 259-278, October 2006 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1746002

Corey Brettschneider (Contact Author)

Brown University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Box 1844
Providence, RI 02912
United States

Fordham University School of Law ( email )

140 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023
United States