Paul Feyerabend's Understanding of Democracy and Pluralism in Light of his Demand for the Democratization of Knowledge

Ulrich Arnswald (University of Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck)

Paul Feyerabend linked democracy to participatory and decentralized decision-making, viewing it not as a fixed system but as a process where individuals and communities, rather than a central authority, make choices based on their preferences and needs. He argued against a single, dominant way of thinking (like science) and supported a society where diverse perspectives coexist, requiring people to make epistemic and political decisions based on choice and participation. This approach emphasizes that choices, even about what constitutes knowledge or the "best" way to organize society, are not dictated by proof but by a deliberate and free decision.    Feyerabend's central thesis on this subject can already be found in his work Against Method, where he states: “After all, in a democracy 'reason' has just as much right to be heard and to be expressed as 'unreason' especially in view of the fact that one man's 'reason' is the other man's insanity.” (160) However, this statement demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of how democracy works and what demands are placed on arguments in the deliberation process in a democracy. These are not arbitrary and random, as Feyerabend seems to believe.