DEMOCRACY
DEMOCRACY

Author(s): Irena Đorđević
Subject(s): Politics, Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems
Published by: Helsinški odbor za ljudska prava u Srbiji
Keywords: Irena Đorđević; democracy; politics; norms and principles; will of citizens;
Summary/Abstract: When writing his “State”, Plato had in mind a collective conscience in a termite-like community. We must agree that every community is confusing. On the other hand if we analyze the gist of the notion of democracy, starting with interpretation of the very meaning of that word, we should not allow the most free interpretation, that is, the one that implies the rule of people. Opposite of democracy is birth of anarchy, which inevitably leads to social turmoil and chaos. Democracy should be understood as a verse in which each of us may find oneself. If we stick to basic norms of conduct and culture, we acquire composure, which usually brings us peace and happiness. Some would perhaps say that the respect of norms and some principles is tantamount to limitation of liberty, that respect of others is tantamount to humiliation of oneself. But such a line of thinking is oblivious of a flexible stance towards all the things and beings that surround us.

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