TY - THES ID - 136521843 TI - The Paradox of Representation: A Critique of Hanna Pitkin, Michael Saward, and Urbinati and Warren AU - Chepkorir, Betty AU - Mulieri, Alessandro AU - KU Leuven. Hoger Instituut voor Wijsbegeerte. Opleiding Master of Philosophy (Leuven) PY - 2017 PB - Leuven KU Leuven. Hoger Instituut voor Wijsbegeerte DB - UniCat UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:136521843 AB - The main goal of this thesis is to understand the broad meaning of representation, and further understand how this concept might be applied in democracy. Thus, to understand representation, this thesis features main perspectives of political representation discussed in the literature by prominent theorists of representation. The theorists begin by evaluating the meaning of the concept of representation which they agree is problematic. Later on, they consider two main perspectives of viewing representation, from which they distinguish between conventional frameworks of representation which they argue, rely on electoral processes. They furthermore distinguish more dynamic frameworks of representation which they argue, goes beyond electoral processes. In the first part of this thesis, we start by discussing conventional frameworks of representation discussed by Hanna Pitkin. She argues that representation may be understood from the perspective of a common meaning. She further argues that if we evaluate representation from the perspective of the common meaning, we might be able to distinguish between different forms of representation. Moreover, she argues that these different forms depend on how the roles of the representatives are defined in the representation process, and also how the representatives are held accountable for their decision. In the second part of this thesis, Michael Saward challenges the conventional frameworks of representation discussed by Pitkin which he argues, are largely limited to electoral processes. Hence, he argues that Pitkin’s framework fails to go beyond electoral processes, and consider emerging forms of representation, for instance, non-electoral representation. Saward proposes a new framework where he argues that representation should be viewed as a claim-making process, where the representative is tasked with formulating claims on issues which interests the represented. His framework further tasks the represented with the final decision-making role where they choose to accept, reject or contest the claims made by the representatives. In the third part of this thesis, we discuss Urbinati and Warren who criticize conventional frameworks of representation as only limited to electoral processes, and hence, do not sufficiently address emergent representation issues in democracy, such as the need for deliberative processes, and participation of citizens in decision-making. The authors argue the need for us to rethink how representation is conceived such that it fosters or enables democracy. In the conclusion, we argue that although the theorists view representation from different perspectives, it is possible to derive meaningful insights from their frameworks which broadens our understanding of representation. We also argue that, although the need to consider non-electoral representation in democracy is important, how this might be achieved in practice is problematic. We argue that, this is because democratic processes are founded on the right for each person to vote on issues which interests them. Hence, applying the conventional, and more dynamic frameworks for representation in emerging democracies might be problematic. ER -