Humanism, Democracy, and Freedom

PART ONE

Democracy in government essentially means “rule by the people” rather than rule by a monarch, aristocracy or dictator.

Democracy is not a new idea but it is one that has not been put into practice all that often. Members of small, nomadic groups were roughly equal in power, because there was little to distinguish one individual from another except for skill in hunting, fighting or speech-making. Decisions were usually taken collectively, although certain leaders could stand out and be especially prominent. In some groups women had more influence than in others.

In the ancient world there is little evidence of democracy. It was unknown in Egypt, India, or China. In Athens adult citizens could vote and run for office but women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded. Much the same situation existed in Rome.

Democratic concepts in large societies developed most in Western Europe, but only gradually. Two landmark documents from England were the Magna Carta of 1215, which limited the power of the king over the nobles and common people, and the Bill of Rights of 1689, which moved further in the direction of democracy by, among other things, insisting upon regular and free elections. Revolutions in British North America (1776) and France (1789) became models of democracy, although they still fell far short by modern standards.

In a direct democracy, the people have the authority to discuss and decide upon legislation personally. In a representative democracy, the people choose governing officials through free and competitive elections to do so. Who is considered part of “the people” and how authority is shared among or delegated by the people has changed over time and at different rates in various countries.

Prominent features of democracy typically include “the Fundamental Freedoms”:

1. freedom of expression;
2. freedom of association;
3. freedom of religion;
4. freedom of assembly.

Further features include:

1. Citizenship;
2. Consent of the governed;
3. Voting rights;
4. Minority rights;
5. The right to own private property;
6. Freedom from unfair governmental removal of the right to life, liberty, or property.

In the form of  democracy that we have in Canada the powers of the majority are exercised within the framework of a representative democracy, but a constitution and supreme court limit the majority and protect the minority—usually through securing the enjoyment of  individual rights by every citizen.

In Canada today democracy starts with the idea that every adult citizen has the right to vote and to stand for election. Groups of likeminded people may form political parties that can compete in elections. The winning party takes power and can create and enforce laws. The other parties form an opposition that has the responsibility to question the actions of the government and make the public aware of the problems that they see.

A key element of democracy is personal freedom. In Canada, we start from the idea that you are free to do what you want until your action harms other people. The classic illustration is that you are free to swing your fist in the air until that fist threatens someone else’s nose.

Perhaps the most important concept in democracy is free expression. You have the right to say or write whatever you want unless what you say is likely to cause harm or injury. “Harm or injury” could include things such as:

1. Attacking someone’s reputation without good evidence (libel or slander);
2.  Uttering hate speech, for example, recommending violence toward certain individuals or groups other than in self-defence;
3. Proposing the violent overthrow of the government.

You are free to criticize policy decisions of the Prime Minister, for example, but you cannot accuse him or her of a crime unless you are able to provide convincing evidence

Hate speech is any form of expression through which speakers intend to attack, humiliate, or stir up hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, national origin, etc.

You can say, for example, that religion is dangerous but you cannot say that all members of a certain religion should be put in jail. You are free to urge that a government at any level should be replaced at the next election, but you cannot say that we should take guns to the government offices and force the leaders out. You can get together with any people you want, provided that you are not involved in criminal activity. You can publicly protest policies or practices that you do not agree with, but you cannot disrupt regular activities too much or use violence to make your point.

Even though government decisions are made by majority votes, the majority still has an obligation to protect the rights of minorities. For example, the majority may want to have English only used in parliament, but the French-speaking minority cannot have their right to speak French taken away.

In Canada the Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines basic ideas about democracy and freedom. We also have a long legal tradition of protect the rights of citizens. However, polices and laws are always open to interpretation. Sometimes a position on a particular issue must be decided in court.To protect our liberty and also provide for security we need free speech in all forms of media, a good legal system, and appropriate police powers.

As citizens we should keep ourselves informed and be prepared to be involved. Sitting back and letting others do everything may lead to serious problems. Citizens must exercise their democratic rights and not allow them to be suppressed. Dictators need to be stopped before they gain power and take away all the freedoms described here.

Humanists are dedicated to seeking evidence, promoting free speech, and engaging in the open discussion of ideas. With these ideas in mind we can contribute to a free and compassionate society.

PART TWO

For more information see:

1. https://humanists.international/policy/copenhagen-declaration-on-democracy-a-humanist-value/
2. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/)
3. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights.
4. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_Liberty J.S. Mill’s classic statement on liberal democracy

The Struggle for Democracy

Patrick Watson and Benjamin Barber (1992)

The authors provide a fine overview of the development of and challenges to this form of government. Illustrated.

Democracy: A Very Short Introduction

Bernard Crick (2002)

This is a brief history of the doctrine and practice of democracy from ancient times to the modern world. Crick states that democracy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for good government. In some situations the rule of law and human rights should limit democratic claims.

Re-enlightening Canada

Bryan Schwarz (2023)

This Manitoba lawyer and academic argues that the modernized best of enlightened liberalism should focus on freedom of thought and expression. Provincial and federal Human Rights Codes need to protect individual rights rather than prioritizing group identities.

The Bill of Obligations

Richard Haass (2023)

This is a study of the United States but its lessons apply to Canada also. It is an excellent starting point for investigating this topic.