The All Affected Interests Principle in Democratic Theory and Principle. IHS Political Science Series Working Paper No. 145, July 2017

Warren, Mark E. (2017) The All Affected Interests Principle in Democratic Theory and Principle. IHS Political Science Series Working Paper No. 145, July 2017. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (228Kb)

Abstract

The principle that all those affected by a collective decision should be included in the decision is long-standing, dating at least back to the Justinian Code (V,59,5,2) in Roman private law: “what touches all must be approved by all” (Quod omnes tangit debet ab omnibus approbari; see also Lane, this volume, for a history). Over the last several decades, the idea has migrated into democratic theory (Young 2000, chaps 1-2; Habermas 1996, 10511; Dahl 1970, 49-63, Benhabib 2004; cf. Fung 2013, Goodin 2007, Näsström 2011, Shapiro 2003, chap. 1). The reason, no doubt, is the principle expresses a very basic intuition about what democracy is good for: I should want to have a say in decisions that significantly affect my life. With say, I am part of networks of co-dependents who can collectively self-determine and provide opportunities for self-development while mitigating life-risks. Without it, I am likely to be subject to forces over which I have little or no control.

Actions (login required)