University of the East — Manila

2219 Recto Ave, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila

College of Arts and Sciences
S.Y. 2023-2024

In compliance with the Midterm Exam

Think Piece
APS_3201: DEMOCRATIC THEORY

Ngayawan, Ronson B.
PS6A
Introduction

According to Hodgson, the state, rather than being a group of distinct people, is
an organic whole in which the interests of the individual and the group are optimally
promoted. It encompasses all of the institutions essential to human life (law, family, civil
society, science, religion, art, and philosophy) (Hodgson, 2012). What Hodgson means
by this is equal does not imply that all of us alike. Although every one of us is unique in
our own particular manner, we all have some characteristics that define us as humans.
Therefore, every one of us should treat others with respect and dignity. No one should
face discrimination in their lives related to reproduction and sex. Everyone has the right
to protection from any forms of harm which are fueled by their race, color, language,
sex, religion, political, national, or social origin, property, birth, or anything else.

Human rights are moral entitlements that every individual in the world possesses simply
in virtue of the fact that he or she is a human being. In claiming our human rights, we
are making a moral claim, normally by our own government, that you cannot do that,
because it is a violation of my moral sphere and my personal dignity. No-one, no
individual, not even the government can ever take away our human rights.
Fundamentally, because everyone is a human being and therefore a moral being
(Questions and Answers About Human Rights - Manual for Human Rights Education
with Young People - www.coe.int, n.d.). In general, if someone sees that they are
disrespecting someone else's personal dignity, they will attempt to act in a morally right
approach. People do not intend to harm other individuals. Yet, in most nations of the
world, there are now laws requiring governments to protect individuals' fundamental
human rights, even though they may be unwilling to do so. This is in addition to the
moral limitations of one's own morality as well as other people.

Alfaro (2005), said that “the flagrant disregard for prisoners' rights is arguably the most
inhumane action society does against them. Most people are unaware that inmates
have human rights. Every prisoner has rights required and protected by the United
Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This is true even if a prisoner's
punishment includes the deprivation of some civil rights.” (Alfaro, 2005). Laws are now
in place in most countries to respect their citizens’ human rights, because of the fact
that how can people respect the government if they constantly violate their rights and
privileges. Even if some individuals violated the rights of others, their rights must still be
respected but will be limited as they are seen as a threat to society and other people.
Which is why capital punishment or death penalty is still a hot topic to this day but is still
practiced in some countries with strict requirements. But, when they collide with
someone else's rights, all of our freedoms and rights are constrained. This is the
fundamental basis for our government's authority and responsibility to maintain law and
order. For our own protection, we are required to follow a wide number of essential laws
and norms. Driving on the right side of the road and stopping at stop signs are
requirements. We must not harm or pollute the environment, and on and on. Each and
every rule restricts our freedom in some way, yet we are aware that some laws and
rules are required if we are to continue to be free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Body

Government regulation at all levels has increased significantly in recent years. All of that
regulation ought to promote our personal rights, yet it seems that a lot of it is
unnecessary and hinders rather than advances those liberties. Another way to put it is
that instead of enabling us to pursue our goals, the government now dictates every last
detail of what we should accomplish. We choose those we think will support our
freedoms from among ourselves, so perhaps it is our own fault. But occasionally, we
slip up, or maybe the elected official we trusted just decides to pursue a different course
of action (Pringle, 1995). The idea that citizens get involved with politics is at the core of
democratic thought and practice. As a result, political science has a long history of
attempting to provide an answer to the core question of why individuals like to engage in
politics. The most popular political participation models concentrate on the willingness to
engage, demonstrating that those with greater socioeconomic position are more likely to
become involved in politics as they possess the time, resources, and/or civic
competencies required for participation. The idea that citizens get involved with politics
is at the core of democratic thought and practice. As a result, political science has a
long history of attempting to provide an answer to the core question of why individuals
like to engage in politics. The most popular political participation models concentrate on
the willingness to engage, demonstrating that those with greater socioeconomic position
are more likely to become involved in politics as they possess the time, resources,
and/or civic competencies required for participation (Miller, n.d.). Pringle and Miller posit
that the ability of every person to participate in decisions that affect their interests
shapes the fundamentals of the right to participation. Everyone should be able to take
part in society, not just to protect their rights, but work to build a society that satisfies
their needs and wants. The primary political expressions of such involvement include
the freedoms to participate in and run for office in elections, as well as the freedoms of
association and assembly. These rights guarantee that public matters genuinely are
public and serve as the cornerstone for any representative, democratic process, and a
thriving civil society. The following rights such as the ability to vote, the access to quality
education and the freedom of religion and belief, are closely related to the right to
participate in governance.

According to Gopal, "We must be careful not to make "freedom" become a smug
weapon to be used against ostensibly inferior civilizations rather than a tool that is
constantly improved via speaking the truth about and against power. Freedom atrophies
into something that holds up power and the status quo decreed by it when it is
perceived as a "thing" of value to be venerated rather than as a practice. As such, it
becomes its opponent, an ossified, rather toothless idea."(Gopal, n.d.). What Gopal
means by this is that if you have too much freedom, you could be able to violate the
rights of others. A person's safety is frequently in danger, which is against his right to
safety and protection, which is guaranteed by the state. He contends that the main
purpose of our constitutional limitations is to ensure our own safety and the safety of
others around us. No safeguards would exist if everyone enjoyed unrestricted freedom.
As citizens of a society, we consent to sacrificing some liberties for security. The social
contract looks like this. Basically, think of any circumstance when exercising freedom
can have unfavorable effects. Someone is going to claim that stated freedom has to be
restricted in order to prevent the unfavorable effects.
Conclusion

To conclude what has been said, we are not entirely free as we are bound by
laws put in place to ensure that a society does not fall into complete chaos as true and
absolute freedom is anarchy. We have laws and social constraints to conform to
because some people who are permitted to live by their own rules are violent, vicious,
or antagonistic. We humans simply aren't there yet, and freedom for everyone implies
that all of us need a standard in terms of conduct that we can all be comfortable with.
However, limiting our freedom to an extent where we cannot enjoy the qualities
guaranteed by the state is not a livable society. The idea that independence is the most
desirable quality has been sold to us, and for this reason. It is seen as illogical since we
are simultaneously given the lie that freedom breeds chaos and anarchy. Our total
control and power over the mind and body is what we should aim towards. Nothing
should be taken away from us as long as it does not compromise the freedom of others.
The requirement of admiring and valuing the freedom others have. However, an
essential limit since, without it, the actuality of ultimate freedom can never be realized.
Freedom is a fundamental human desire, and it is essential to social processes.
Expanding human choices is an essential part of human development and the idea of
freedom. The primary factor in improving wellbeing is human development, and freedom
is a key tool for achieving this goal. Society improved because of the freedom.
References:
Human Rights Behind Bars:The Manila City Jail Experience. (2005).
https://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2005/03/human-rights-behind-
barsthe-manila-city-jail-experience.html
Pringle G. (1995, May 14). OUR FREEDOMS ARE LIMITED BY OTHERS
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1995-05-14-9505130161-story.html
Why Do People Participate in Politics? | The Center for the Study of the Individual and
Society. (n.d.-b). https://csis.psych.umn.edu/projects/why-do-people-participate-politics
Hodgson, Peter C., 'The State and the Actualization of Freedom', Shapes of Freedom:
Hegel's Philosophy of World History in Theological Perspective (Oxford, 2012; online
edn, Oxford Academic, 20 Sept. 2012),
https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654956.003.0003, accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
Questions and answers about Human Rights - Manual for Human Rights Education with
Young people - www.coe.int. (n.d.-b). Manual for Human Rights Education With Young
People. https://www.coe.int/en/web/compass/questions-and-answers-about-human-
rights#:~:text=Human%20rights%20are%20needed%20to,and%20therefore%20a
%20moral%20being.
Miller, J. (n.d.). Why Do People Participate in Politics? | The Center for the Study of the
Individual and Society. https://csis.psych.umn.edu/projects/why-do-people-participate-
politics
Gopal, P. (n.d.). How free are we really? The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/how-free-are-we-really-49966