Can majority rule be legitimate without universal individual consent?

"Most societies make decisions by counting votes rather than by securing the agreement of every individual affected. This everyday practice raises a quiet but unsettling question: why should the will of the many bind those who dissent? Majority rule feels natural, even fair, yet it also seems to permit coercion in the name of collective choice. If legitimacy is tied to consent, what happens when consent is partial, reluctant, or absent? Asking whether majority rule can be legitimate without universal individual consent invites reflection on democracy, authority, freedom, and the moral limits of collective power in shared political life."

Each of us has his or her own philosophical history and journey, and during these walks, we introduce each other to our recent questions and reflections. There is no assigned reading, no required text. Bring your own recommendations, or see what has been recommended by others before. In this dropbox folder you'll find texts and videos that have been discussed on previous occasions. You'll also find a list of recommended texts, if you are new to philosophy.

We gather at Flywheel Coffee, near Stanyan and Page. At exactly 11:15am, we'll be just outside the front door, and begin a hike through Golden Gate Park, returning to Flywheel by 1:00pm. During the walk, we'll discuss your philosophical topics, whatever they may be. If it looks like it'll rain, we'll dip into a restaurant instead.