Alex Pismenny on Democracy and Freedom, Quora

Q

Can you be free in a non-democratic nation?
https://www.quora.com/Can-you-be-free-in-a-non-democratic-nation/answer/Alex-Pismenny

Alex Pismenny

Interested in social theory

Answered Nov 17

Absolutely you can. “Democratic” means, certain people get to vote and to be elected to certain offices. That is the only privilege that you don’t get in a non-democratic country.

You still should have all the fundamental rights:

• The right of self-defense
• The right to voice opinions other than direct incitements to violence or divulging secrets of others
• The right to buy and sell property between willing seller and willing and able buyer
• The right to contract for labor between willing laborer and willing and able able employer
• The freedom of conscience

Note that what I listed above are true freedoms: they require nothing from others in a coercive way in order for me to enjoy them.

The right to vote and be elected is not such fundamental right. It is a privilege that the society as a whole may or may not give its citizens. The privilege is always subject to complex restrictions, for example, so that a majority may not abuse the minority because the majority has the votes.

At the same time, many democratic societies restrict or abolish certain fundamental rights.

There is no direct connection between democracy and freedom.

Hans-Georg Lundahl

7h ago

“ many democratic societies restrict or abolish certain fundamental rights.”

Just take a look at Sweden and Norway ….

May I copy your excellent answer to my blog?

Alex Pismenny

3h ago

Please, I’ll be honored.