more from Jonathan Wolff

Single Idea 20498

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / b. Consultation]

Full Idea

To avoid mixed-motivation voting, we must choose between one model of people voting in accordance with their preferences, and another of voting for their estimate of the common good.

Gist of Idea

We should decide whether voting is for self-interests, or for the common good

Source

Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 3 'Voting')

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.74


A Reaction

Personally I always voted for the common good, and only slowly realised that most people were voting for their own interests. A rational society would at least bring this dichotomy into the open. Voting for self-interest isn't wicked.