Democracy and the rule of law are fundamental concepts that have shaped the Western environment for centuries.
However, these notions often remain poorly understood by the general public. In this article, we will look at the historical evolution of Western society and attempt to clarify these essential concepts.



Democracy, first of all, is the fruit of a long historical process. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the clash between Greco-Latin culture and Judeo-Christian tradition gave birth to the Renaissance. This clash opposed two antagonistic concepts: faith and reason. Faith, based on literal respect for sacred scriptures, was the basis of the queen discipline, theology, which reigned over minds and dictated the standards of morality, science and law. The Renaissance marked the end of the absolute supremacy of theology, with the emergence of rational thought and humanism. Man became "the measure of all things", and logical truth was opposed to dogmatic truth.

In the 18th century, the Age of Enlightenment marked the triumph of rationalism. The thinkers of this era promoted the circulation of knowledge and developed a new system of thought based on reason. They also proposed major political advances, such as habeas corpus and the Declaration of Human Rights. Democracy was thus born from the idea that collective reason must govern the city and individuals, while respecting their freedom and dignity.



However, it is worth remembering that the tyranny of reason can also lead to excesses, as the French and American revolutions demonstrated. Democracy therefore boils down to the acceptance of the debate of ideas devoid of dogmatism, to the collective management of the city (good governance) and to the acceptance of peaceful political alternation.

As for the rule of law, it is based on solid institutional foundations such as the Constitution and the high council of the judiciary. The separation of powers between the executive, judiciary and legislature is also an essential pillar of the rule of law, allowing these powers to police each other. Finally, respect for human rights and freedoms as well as private property is another crucial aspect of the rule of law.



In conclusion, it is essential to understand that democracy and the rule of law are not simply political slogans, but concepts deeply rooted in Western history and philosophy. Their understanding is essential to guarantee the harmonious functioning of our societies. Keeping this lucidity in mind, it is important to recognize that some countries may claim these principles without actually putting them into practice.



Written by Mr. WEMBO François,

Cergy in Île-de-France, 12/15/2023.

свернуть