Philip Pettit, Professor of Politics and Human Values at Princeton University, discusses small-r “republicanism” and how to make sure people don’t suffer from domination. Topics include intellectual traditions of liberalism and republicanism, freedom from domination versus freedom from interference, and the role of the state in making people free.
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Quick takeaways
Non-domination is a crucial aspect of freedom, requiring protection against arbitrary power from government, corporations, and private entities.
Legislation is needed to ensure security against domination in social realms and enable citizen control over decision-making processes in democratic governance.
While laws play a crucial role in preventing domination, the role of cultural norms, institutions, and collective organizing is also essential to safeguard individuals' rights and maintain checks and balances.
Deep dives
The Importance of Non-Domination in Freedom
The podcast episode explores the concept of non-domination as a key component of freedom. It argues that the traditional idea of freedom as non-interference is incomplete and that true freedom requires protection against domination from others. The episode highlights the need for laws and institutions that safeguard individuals from arbitrary power, whether from the government, corporations, or private entities. These protections aim to create a society where people can interact without fear or deference, promoting equality and enabling individuals to exercise their freedoms fully.
Policy Implications: Social Security and Democratic Governance
The episode delves into two policy areas affected by differing concepts of freedom. First, in the social realm, it discusses the need for legislation that provides security against domination. This includes measures such as unemployment insurance and tenure systems to counter power imbalances in academia. Second, in the realm of democratic governance, the episode emphasizes the importance of laws that enable individuals to exercise their non-domination. It argues that democracy should not be solely based on elections, but also on other forms of citizen control over decision-making processes. The aim is to limit arbitrary power and ensure that laws and regulations reflect the will of the people.
Balancing Interference and Domination
The podcast episode acknowledges that in some cases, interference may be necessary to prevent domination and protect the freedoms of all individuals. It addresses the potential conflict between the preservation of non-domination and the imposition of certain limits on individual actions. The episode emphasizes the importance of justifying restrictions on freedom by considering whether they prevent greater forms of interference or uphold the broader principle of non-domination. It cautions against the danger of excessively restrictive policies that might stifle freedom of speech, expression, or association, emphasizing the importance of striking the right balance.
Importance of Labor Laws in Employment Relationships
Labor laws play a crucial role in the employment relationship by addressing the power imbalance between employers and employees. Strict laws can prevent the domination of employers and provide certain protections to employees. For instance, the right to fire at will, common in the US, grants employers an asymmetry of power, making employees fearful of being fired. By introducing laws that restrict such powers and establish procedures for termination, employees can be shielded from unjust dismissals. Additionally, laws that prohibit non-compete clauses and enforce arbitration clauses protect employees from further domination and ensure their rights are safeguarded.
The Role of Culture and Institutions in Non-Domination
While laws are crucial in preventing domination, culture and institutions also play a significant role. Encouraging a culture of standing together and organizing collectively, such as through unions, can empower workers to challenge employer dominance. Additionally, diverse democratic institutions, including citizens' assemblies and independent bodies like the judiciary, central bank, and statistical agencies, are imperative in limiting the concentration of power and maintaining checks and balances. These institutions prevent domination by creating opportunities for contestation, protecting rights, and upholding democratic principles. However, it is important to be mindful of elitism and cronyism in these institutions, and strategies such as representative citizen assemblies can help guard against such domination.
Yascha Mounk and Philip Pettit discuss small-r “republicanism” and how to make sure people don’t suffer from domination.
Philip Pettit is the L.S. Rockefeller University Professor of Politics and Human Values at Princeton University. His latest book is The State.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Philip Pettit discuss the intellectual traditions of liberalism and republicanism; how freedom from domination differs from freedom from interference; and what role the state plays in making people free.
