Philanthropy in Democratic Societies

This book brings together expert philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, historians, and legal scholars to ask fundamental and pressing questions about philanthropy’s role in democratic societies.

• When is philanthropy good or bad for democracy?
• How does, and should, philanthropic power interact with expectations of equal citizenship and democratic political voice?
• What makes the exercise of philanthropic power legitimate?
• What forms of private activity in the public interest should democracy promote, and what forms should it resist?

Examining these and many other topics, the contributors offer a vital assessment of philanthropy at a time when its power to affect public outcomes has never been greater.