The essay discusses the idea of publicity as a fundamental principle of democratic politics. The argument outlined takes into account the following dimensions: 1. Reasons for publicity; 2. Examination of objections to publicity; 3. Exceptions to be made; 4. The points to which publicity should extend; 5. The means of publicity; 6. Observations on the practice established in England. While some caveats can be identified regarding publicity, the excerpt proves that it is an essential value for the proper functioning of democracies.
publicity; utilitarianism; democratic theory; Bentham