Foundation

The objective of this website is the be a seed from which a more rational democratic process might grow.

Democracy being: the equal participation of all members of a group in the decision making process.

Rational being: the exclusive use of reason in the decision making process.

All rational processes require foundational assumptions on which to build.

The foundational assumptions which apply to this Wiki are:

1. The rules which are are adopted by a specific group of people should apply equally to all members of the group.

2. Members of a group will hold onto to whatever beliefs appeal to them as individuals.

3. Members of a group will seek happiness and fulfillment for themselves and those who are close to them.

4. Members of a group should treat others (including non-members) as they would like to be treated themselves.

5. A group, once established will take actions to preserve its integrity and advance its own causes.

Next, in light of these foundational assumptions I would suggest some basic rules.

1. Members of a group should set aside any individual motivation which conflicts with a rational decision making process, while participating in that group's decision making process. Some of these motivations might include: self-interest, belief in divine intervention, communal or personal retribution, communal or personal glorification, to name a few irrational motivations. (Rationality)

2. Members of a group should put a lower priority on individual motivations and subset groups' interests, which conflict with the overall well being of the larger group. (Community)

2. Members of a group should not create any rules or take any actions which would unfairly impair the happiness of members of their own group, or non-members. (Equality)

3. Members of a group should seek to make rules and take actions which reward an individual's or organization's cumulative contributions to the larger group. (Community)

4. Members of a group should seek to make rules and take actions which treat all members fairly, while recognizing a member's cumulative contributions to the larger group. (Equality)

5. Members of a group should seek to make rules and take actions which create equal opportunities for all members. (Community)

6. Members of a group should not make rules or take actions which impair the beliefs held by other members. (Liberty)

7. Members of a group should not make rules or take actions which would impair any member's basic nutrition, basic health, basic safety, free expression or free association. (Liberty)