Philanthropy and democracy: Two kinds of authority.

This article examines the relationship between philanthropy and democracy, using the example of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's efforts in education. It explores different perspectives on philanthropy in political philosophy and discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of philanthropic actions in a democratic society. The author argues that philanthropy and democracy represent two distinct forms of political authority, with philanthropy allowing individuals or organizations to unilaterally influence public decisions. The article does not take a normative stance on the compatibility of philanthropy and democracy, but rather provides an analytical exploration of the topic. [Extracted from the article]