Threatened democracy

Democratic institutions are characterised by respect for the fundamental principles of democracy, that is, individual freedoms and rights as well as the equal value of all people. The dissemination of disinformation and misinformation risks threatening public discourse and by extension interpersonal trust and trust in democratic institutions. The course introduces and discusses democracy critically with a particular focus on its proponents and critics. It is based on the classic by Robert Dahl, Democracy and Its Critics. Key dilemmas of democratic governance in terms of content, procedures, and practical implementation are discussed. The threats posed by disinformation and misinformation, as well as the underlying causes of their dissemination, constitute a recurring theme throughout the course.