The word democracy is also in line with individual rights in connection with government. In this case, the degree of individual freedom in society forms the basis for the general democratic values of that particular society. Democracy is not, however, an absolute term, but its limitations are apparent from the relative measures that are in operation. It is probable that the word democracy was used for the first time during the slavery periods of Greece. It should be understood, however, that slaves in those days were classed as tools of production and not as members of the general public. Aristotle, by categorizing the tools of production in three groups, once wrote: “Live tools of production such as cows, horses, camels and etc., solid tools of production such as spades, axe, etc., and finally, the tools of production with voice, meaning the slaves.” Here, the terminology of the people is not, however, complete, and the word democracy refers to those social systems in which people could freely elect their own representatives and also take direct participation in their social and national affairs. During European capitalist revolutions, groups and parties participating in the process of revolution took up the slogans of democracy against the rich and feudal sectors of society. Khomeini once called such democracies “incompetent democracies,” “subjective,” “parasitic,” “subtle,” “superficial,” etc. This, one-sided approach to the problem is incorrect and is obviously biased. No doubt capitalist democracies are to some extent limited. For this reason, these democracies are open to criticism.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:11:50 +0000
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