Conceptions of Democracy and Meritocracy

Catalog description

The principle that all citizens should have an equal say in public affairs has a long history and an illustrious pedigree. Recently, however, the idea that contemporary challenges are so complex that experts must be given substantial authority over public matters has gained traction. Some theorists have suggested that the differences between the governing systems of the United States and China follow, in part, from different weightings of such principles. This course will examine democracy and meritocracy, exploring specifically their rival moral claims and the relative merits of each position. Readings will come from philosophy, political theory, history, political science, and related disciplines. 001060