A questioning mind essential for a thriving democracy: Left leader

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In the realm of political philosophy, liberals argue that the state exists to serve the individual, prioritising their interests above all else.

This view asserts that personal freedom should not be unduly limited by the state, with the essence of democracy lying in the maximisation of individual liberty.

According to liberal thinkers, a person’s well-being is directly tied to their freedom, thereby linking individual interests and freedoms. John Locke, a highly influential liberal philosopher, argued that the state’s primary role is to protect an individual’s life, liberty and property.

Over time, the liberal theory of democracy has evolved through three phases: Classical liberal theory, elitist theory and pluralist theory.

Classical liberal theory, supported by figures like John Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Bentham and JS Mill, emphasises the rights of the individual against the state.

Locke argued for the right to resist and revolt against the state if it failed to safeguard life, liberty and property. He insisted that government authority, derived from individual consent, must be limited.

Montesquieu’s theory of separation of powers offered safeguards against dictatorship. The utilitarian emphasised the importance of public participation in politics, advocating for a government that aimed to provide the “greatest good for the greatest number”.

Jeremy Bentham and JS Mill, both proponents of this view, advocated for universal adult suffrage and improvement of the quality of political participation.

Mill, described as the architect of the “developmental theory of democracy”, believed that political participation would foster overall individual development.

The government, according to this perspective, is constitutional, limited and responsible, based on the consent of the people expressed through periodic elections and universal adult suffrage.

It operates within the bounds of the constitution, and due to the separation of powers and checks and balances, it is expected to act legally and not arbitrarily. Fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression, are highly valued in a democracy.

Majority rule is a cornerstone, but JS Mill also stressed the importance of respecting minority views. However, the classical theory of democracy has faced criticism.

It assumes rationality in human behaviour, suggesting that individuals discern their best interests and strategies to promote them. Yet, real-world experiences show that individuals are often influenced by parochial factors like casteism, ethnicity, communalism and localism, which may not serve their best interests.

Democracy is often hailed as reflecting the will of the people, with its legitimacy rooted in the people’s consent and free choice. However, this “free choice” is challenged in societies marked by poverty, inequality and domination, where political freedom can be undermined by ignorance, fear and the influence of money and power.

Even in developed countries, these flaws persist, leading some to argue that democratic legitimacy is more myth than reality. Despite its challenges, democracy aims to serve everyone’s interests.

However, the complexity of democratic processes and organisations can make it difficult for the average person to fully grasp and engage with them.

The emphasis on unrestrained individual freedom by classical liberals has been critiqued as a strategy to prevent state intervention in the economic activities of the rich.

Meanwhile, current political climates see Marxist theories being suppressed, with institutions like JNU and Jadavpur University protesting for democracy.

Debabrata Ghosh, a state secretary committee member in West Bengal, argues that understanding Marx requires constant research and a questioning mindset.

He criticises attempts to remove Marx from the syllabus, arguing that education fosters a questioning mind, which is essential for a thriving democracy.