Democracy Needs Rebellion

A Democratic Theory Inspired by Albert Camus

in Theoria
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Markus Pausch Professor, University of Applied Sciences Salzburg, Austria

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Abstract

Democracy has come under pressure in many countries in recent years. Authoritarian tendencies, populism and the cult of leadership threaten pluralistic societies in Europe and other parts of the world. But democracy is more than just a method of finding a majority; it is inextricably linked to the fight against oppression and injustice in all contexts of life. Especially in times of democratic crisis, it is necessary to focus on its core aspects. The political thinking of French philosopher and writer Albert Camus, who died in 1960, offers the basis for a redefinition of democracy that is linked to and dependent on rebellion. From his reflections, a radical theory of democracy can be derived that is based on the absurdity of the world, its incompleteness, revolt and resistance to authoritarianism, on doubt, dialogue and foreignness.

Contributor Notes

Markus Pausch is a professor at the Department for Social Work and Social Innovation of the University of Applied Sciences Salzburg and guest lecturer at different international universities. His main research interests include democratic theory, quality of democracy, participation, social innovation and the future of the European Union. For further information, see www.markuspausch.eu.

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Theoria

A Journal of Social and Political Theory

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