Liberal Democracy
In liberal democracy, all decisions are equal in the domain of values. The argument that certain “Good” are more rational or superior does not justify state’s interference in people’s private domain. [1]
Modern and contemporary western liberal theoreticians believe that happiness and good cannot be known definitely and with certainty. Therefore defining happiness and good and choosing them must be left to people, and dogmatism and issuing a single prescription for these matters must be avoided. Governments should not advocate any current definitions and maintain their impartiality. The following principles and elements comprise the most important basics of modern views towards politics and states.
1. Materialism: according to modern philosophers, the existence is limited to the material world and the spiritual and non-material aspects are negated. Therefore the purpose of life is limited to material and corporal pleasures.
2. Atheism: The modern political thought has no place for the generative and legislative will of God. Man is independent, self sufficient and free from obeying any external order and command.
3. Humanism: In this view all rules and plans revolve around man’s material demands, because man defines values and gives meaning to the world. According to this view, man is not committed to any non-material ultimate value and purpose.
4. Skepticism: Modern views concede, implicitly or explicitly, that man cannot know the truth, perfection and supreme good. Therefore it is not rational to compel others to certain thoughts and values. Everyone is entitled to his own interpretation of life and determine his own direction.
5.Liberalism: According to liberalism, individual’s freedom must be protected in politics, economy and culture. Justice-seeking, perfectionism, religion cannot limit people; only the freedom of others can limit the individual. Therefore only actions that violate the rights of others and limit their freedom are unacceptable.
Note:
[1] Ahmad Vaezi, Islam and Liberalism, political science, 6th year, No. 22, summer 1382, p 32
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: political science journal, No. 3
Other links:
Farabi’s Viewpoint on Happiness
Views of Modern and Contemporary Western philosophers about the Government’s Duties (Machiavelli)
