O que a igualdade exige de nós?

The aim of this work is to discuss the responsibilities of citizens and authorities in democracy through the questions: “Do all have mutual obligations in a democratic community?” and “What do these obligations require from individuals and authorities, and what is the role of law in this?”. The justification is to find a philosophical foundation for both inter-citizen moral responsibilities and the political responsibilities of state authorities, the latter through an analysis of legitimacy. To address these questions, we follow this approach: (a) First, we analyze the concept of responsibility in its legal, moral, and political dimensions; (b) next, we discuss equality as a political and moral principle underpinning the legitimacy of the state and the obligations of citizens in a genuine democracy. Developing this second part, we explore: (b.1) the historical significance of the ideal of equality and its polysemy; (b.2) how human dignity supports the principle of equal treatment based on the intrinsic value of human life and special responsibility; (b.3) the existence of inter-citizen democratic obligations and the role of law in this. Our purpose is to understand the interconnection between equality, law, and democracy, and their implications for the democratic responsibilities of citizens and authorities, seeking conclusions that illuminate the public debate.