An open society must have institutions which protect the freedom to criticize.

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An open society must have institutions which protect the freedom to criticize.

Explore the connections between criticism and democratic theory. The freedom to criticize should be compared and contrasted with the freedom of expression. The latter principle is central to what is known as liberal democracy. The former principle is central to what I will call consensual democracy or government by consent.

Don't confuse "consensual democracy or government by consent" with government by consensus. Draw a political distinction between consent and consensus.

I believe consent is a conditional agreement implying the freedom to criticize the order which is being followed. Consensus only implies that the order is at one moment in time agreeable to everyone concerned. It does not incorporate or make allowance for future criticism of the order. As a result, if the goal of consensus building becomes over emphasized, it can lead to dogmatism and the exclusion of critical debate.

Harry Veeder
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