Russell argues that democracy survives through

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AUniformity of opinions

BFree discussions and tolerance

CStrict adherence to authority

DNone

Answer:

Bertrand Russell, a prominent British philosopher, logician, and social critic, strongly advocated for a democracy founded on reason and individual liberty.
He believed that democracy, to be truly effective and enduring, must foster an environment where truth can emerge through open discourse, rather than being imposed by authority or dogma.

Informed Public: Russell argued that free discussions are essential for an informed citizenry. In a democracy, citizens must be able to critically evaluate ideas, policies, and leaders without fear of censorship or reprisal.
Counteracting Dogma: Open dialogue prevents the entrenchment of rigid ideologies or 'groupthink.' It allows for the examination of different viewpoints and the challenging of preconceived notions, which is vital for progress and adapting to new challenges.
Truth-Seeking: Russell, as a rationalist, believed that truth is best discovered through a process of open inquiry and debate. Free discussion serves as a 'marketplace of ideas,' where ideas are tested and refined through scrutiny.
Preventing Tyranny: By allowing all voices to be heard, free discussion acts as a safeguard against potential tyranny, whether of a government, a majority, or a dominant ideology.

Peaceful Coexistence: Russell emphasized that tolerance is crucial for a diverse society to function democratically. People with differing opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles must be able to coexist peacefully, respecting each other's rights to hold those views.
Embracing Diversity: Tolerance ensures that minority opinions are not suppressed and that intellectual and social diversity is maintained. This enriches society and provides a wider range of perspectives for problem-solving.
Constructive Engagement: Without tolerance, free discussions can devolve into conflict. Tolerance enables individuals to engage with opposing viewpoints constructively, fostering mutual understanding even when agreement is not reached.
Social Stability: Russell saw tolerance as a cornerstone of social stability. It reduces friction and division within society, allowing for collective action and governance based on consent rather than coercion.

Russell believed that free discussions and tolerance are not separate but interdependent pillars of democracy. Free discussion cannot truly thrive without an underlying spirit of tolerance, and tolerance is strengthened when diverse opinions can be openly expressed and debated.
Together, they create a dynamic and resilient democratic system capable of self-correction and adaptation, ensuring its survival against both internal and external pressures.

Full Name: Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell.
Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950, "in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought."
Philosophical School: A foundational figure in analytic philosophy.
Key Works:
- Principia Mathematica (with Alfred North Whitehead) – A monumental work in mathematical logic.
- The Problems of Philosophy
- A History of Western Philosophy
- Marriage and Morals
- Why I Am Not a Christian
Activism: A prominent pacifist, anti-nuclear activist, and anti-war campaigner, particularly during World War I and the Vietnam War. His activism often led to imprisonment.
Core Beliefs: Championed reason, empiricism, humanism, and individual freedom. He was a strong critic of dogma, superstition, and authoritarianism in all its forms.

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