Democratic Theory and Theoretical Physics

Jean-Paul Gagnon

《Taiwan Journal of Democracy》 6卷2期 (2010/12) Pp. 1-22

https://doi.org/10.29654/TJD.201012.0001

並列摘要

This essay argues, somewhat along a Simmelian line, that democratic theory may produce practical and universal theories like those developed in theoretical physics. The reasoning behind this essay is to show that the theory of ”basic democracy” may be true by way of comparing it to Einstein's Special Relativity-specifically concerning the parameters of symmetry, unification, simplicity, and utility. These parameters are what make a theory in physics as meeting them not only fit with current knowledge, but also produce paths toward testing (application). As the theory of ”basic democracy” may meet these same parameters, it could settle the debate concerning the definition of democracy. This will be argued first by discussing what the theory of ”basic democracy” is and why it differs from previous work: second, by explaining the parameters chosen (as in why these and not others confirm or scuttle theories): and third, by comparing how Special Relativity and the theory of ”basic democracy” may match the parameters.

並列關鍵字

Social science ； political theory ； physics ； democracy ； Einstein

參考文獻

Sen, Amartya K.(1999).Democracy as a Universal Value.Journal of Democracy.10(3),3-17.

Keane, John(2009).The Life and Death of Democracy.London:Simon & Schuster.

Weale, Albert(2007).Democracy.New York:Palgrave MacMillan.

Crick, Bernard(2002).Democracy: A Very Short Introduction.Oxford:Oxford University Press.

Lijphart, Arend(1994).Electoral Systems and Party Systems: A Study of Twenty-Seven Democracies, 1945-1990.Oxford:Oxford University Press.