Dahl's Democracy: Polyarchy, Procedures, and the Common Good

This article provides a thorough analysis of Robert Dahl's political thought, focusing on the concept of polyarchy as the foundation of contemporary representative systems. The author discusses in detail the criteria of democratic procedure, such as agenda control, enlightened discernment, and inclusion, pointing to their crucial role in legitimizing power. The text sheds new light on the challenges facing contemporary societies: from the impact of recommendation algorithms and information security to global climate crises and financial markets. Through the metaphor of a lighthouse, the text illustrates the tension between technocratic efficiency and civic participation. An analysis of historical transformations in political technology—from ancient Athens to contemporary transnational flows—allows us to understand how to protect the common good in an era of digital transformation and the growing role of experts.