Whole-Hearted Democracy and its Commitment to Rationality

On a minimal definition, democracy exists in a group when, roughly, all members of that group participate, with an equal voice, in decisions binding on members of the group. Consider, then, societies whose democracy is broadly focused, situated in a dynamic, changing environment (as is now true around the world), and whole-hearted citizens are motivated to make the best possible decisions, and they understand the significance of those decisions. And note that almost any claim can bear, evidentially, on the truth of any other claim. It follows that the citizens of such a democracy may have to consider rationally, as they deliberate, almost any matter whatsoever. Whole-hearted democracies thus are committed to the potential rational scrutiny of almost all aspects of life and society. This result carries costs as well as benefits. Democracy, in its wholehearted form, is a far more radical form of government than is often realized.