Theories of Democracy: A Reader

This text builds on Robert Dahl’s observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. Beyond the broad commitment to rule the majority, democracy involves a set of contentious debates concerning the proper function and scope of power, equality, freedom, justice, and interests. In this anthology, the authors have assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse roots of the democratic ideal, as well as to provide materials for thinking about the way some contemporary theories build on different traditions of democratic theorizing.