On the People's Terms
A Republican Theory and Model of Democracy

A novel, republican theory of the point of democracy, providing a model of the institutions that republican democracy would require.

Philip Pettit (Author)

9780521182126, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 December 2012

352 pages
22.6 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.54 kg

'This is an excellent, closely argued book, remarkable for its clarity and consistency. It is highly accessible and stimulating, especially given its exploration of actual democratic institutions. The book is also highly relevant in showing how political philosophers can pay attention to legitimacy as an independent normative feature of political orders.' Yann Allard-Tremblay, The Philosophical Quarterly

According to republican theory, we are free persons to the extent that we are protected and secured in the same fundamental choices, on the same public basis, as one another. But there is no public protection or security without a coercive state. Does this mean that any freedom we enjoy is a superficial good that presupposes a deeper, political form of subjection? Philip Pettit addresses this crucial question in On the People's Terms. He argues that state coercion will not involve individual subjection or domination insofar as we enjoy an equally shared form of control over those in power. This claim may seem utopian but it is supported by a realistic model of the institutions that might establish such democratic control. Beginning with a fresh articulation of republican ideas, Pettit develops a highly original account of the rationale of democracy, breathing new life into democratic theory.

Introduction: the republic, old and new
1. Freedom as non-domination
2. Social justice
3. Political legitimacy
4. Democratic influence
5. Democratic control
Conclusion: the argument, in summary.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], History of ideas [JFCX]