Models of Democracy

How should we understand the nature and scope of democracy? To what domains of life should it be applied? Or, alternatively, should democracy be clearly defined to maintain other important ends? In this new study, the author examines changing responses to these questions from classical Athens to modern times. The context, nature and limits of each major development in democratic theory are explored. Among the thinkers discussed are Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Wollstonecraft, Rousseau, Mill and Marx, as well as 20th century analysts of democracy including Weber, Dahl, Hayek and Macpherson. The book concludes with an argument that seeks to move contemporary discussion beyond the seemingly endless juxtaposition of one classical position with another. The author defends a conception of democracy that departs decisively from both the liberal and Marxist traditions.