For Equality

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter considers arguments and evidence in favor of the view that democracy has a special relationship with equality. First, it considers empirical evidence that the concept of the rule of law appeared simultaneously as governments moved toward more popular rule and political equality. Rousseau argues that unequal wealth can subvert political equality, though he does not thereby defend socialism or complete economic egalitarianism. Rawls argues that self-respect depends upon political equality. Christiano argues that undemocratic systems are unjust because they express that some people matter more than others. The demographic objection to epistocracy holds that attempts to weigh or control votes by competence will lead to ethnic majorities having higher status and power than ethnic minorities.