Ball, Dagger, and O'Neill Maintain That Democracy Is Not an Ideology

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Ball, Dagger, and O'Neill argue that democracy is not an ideology but an ideal because they believe that democracy is a system of government that allows for the expression of different ideologies and beliefs. They argue that democracy is not tied to a specific set of beliefs or values, but rather it is a framework for allowing diverse perspectives to coexist and compete within a political system.

They are right in the sense that democracy is not inherently tied to a specific ideology. In a democratic society, individuals and groups are free to hold and express a wide range of beliefs and values, and the political system is designed to accommodate and reconcile these diverse perspectives. This is in contrast to ideologies such as communism or fascism, which are based on specific sets of beliefs and values that are meant to be imposed on society as a whole.

However, it could also be argued that democracy itself can be seen as an ideology in the sense that it promotes certain core values and principles, such as equality, freedom, and the rule of law. These values are central to the functioning of a democratic society and can be seen as a set of beliefs that guide the political system. In this sense, democracy can be considered an ideology, albeit a more flexible and inclusive one compared to others.

Ultimately, whether democracy is considered an ideology or an ideal depends on how one defines and conceptualizes these terms. While Ball, Dagger, and O'Neill make a valid point about the inclusive nature of democracy, it is also reasonable to view democracy as an ideology in its promotion of certain core values and principles.

Ball, Dagger, and O'Neill Maintain That Democracy Is Not an Ideology

Definitions: