Deleuze and Democracy: A Critical Engagement

This Deep Dive examples an academic article by Paul Patton that explores the relationship between the political philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari and the concept of democracy. It directly responds to Philippe Mengue's assertion that Deleuzian thought is inherently hostile to democratic principles. Patton addresses three key arguments Mengue presents to support this claim: Deleuze's rejection of transcendence and his criticisms of human rights, the contrast between majoritarian and minoritarian politics, and the antipathy of philosophy towards opinion. The author aims to demonstrate that, despite not being a theorist of democracy, Deleuze's work remains committed to egalitarian and democratic values, offering a more nuanced and positive interpretation of his engagement with democratic ideas.