Scruton: Rule of Law or Democracy?

Abstract

This study makes an attempt to outline the view of democracy by the late Sir Roger Scruton, the most significant representative of contemporary conservative thinking. The main focus of the research aims at answering the question whether securing the rule of law, a top priority for Scruton, necessarily involves the establishment of democracy or the two can be separated from each other. The study explores the dilemmas of the legitimacy of democracy and also the connection between democracy and national identity. The overview of the uniquely rich oeuvre of Scruton has convinced the author that, according to the noted philosopher, the rule of law can be upheld also without democracy but only by meeting definite constitutional requirements.