Democracy and communism

Abstract

This is an interpretive essay of the thought Ferdinand Peroutka expresses in his book "Democratic Manifesto". It is not intended to be a summary of all the ideas contained in the book, but rather an interpretative synthesis of those taken together constitute the essential and defining lines of the character and depth of Peroutka's reasoning, and which for this reason give legitimacy and unity of themes to the whole of the "Democratic Manifesto".
The central theme that Peroutka develops is that of the relationship between democracy and communism. Around this theme are three areas, namely: 1- meaning and values of the democratic system, 2- the communist system and 3- metaphysical freedom and civil freedom.
The areas mentioned develop three essential themes: First: dialectic and its relationship with democracy and communism, second: the ideological basis and the results of totalitarian practice, third: the communist theory of metaphysical freedom.
In accordance with them and in order to achieve proper interpretative synthesis, I intend to achieve the following objectives: 1- to make explicit the fundamental difference between the meaning of the dialectical term in communist theory and the meaning of that same term in Peroutka's thinking, 2- demonstrate that the dialectical concept, as understood by Peroutka , allows a better understanding of the essence of democracy, 3- show the ideological basis underlying the totalitarian practice of communism and 4- demonstrate that the communist theory of metaphysical freedom is one of the main theoretical sources of totalitarian dictatorship.
My reflections bear an unequivocal sign: the democratic and liberal political tradition of Costa Ricans; and an equally unequivocal passion for freedom.