Democracy And Its Friendly Critics

Author : Peter Augustine Lawler
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2004
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0739107623

Get Book

Democracy and Its Friendly Critics by Peter Augustine Lawler Pdf

In this edited collection, Peter Lawler presents a lucid and comprehensive introduction to a diverse set of political issues according to Tocqueville. Democracy and Its Friendly Critics addresses a variety of modern political and social concerns, such as the moral dimension of democracy, the theoretical challenges to democracy in our time, the religious dimension of liberty, and the meaning of work in contemporary American Life. Taking innovative and unexpected approaches toward familiar topics, the essays present engaging insights into a democratic society, and the contributors include some of today's leading figures in political philosophy. No other collection on Tocqueville addresses contemporary American political issues in such a direct and accessible fashion, making this book a valuable resource for the study of political theory in America.

Author : Paul Anthony Rahe
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 400 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2009-01-01
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780300164237

Get Book

Soft Despotism, Democracy's Drift by Paul Anthony Rahe Pdf

In 1989, the Cold War ended and it seemed as if the world was at last safe for democracy. But a spirit of uneasiness and discontent soon arose and has persisted in Europe, America, and elsewhere for two decades. To discern the meaning of this malaise we must investigate the nature of liberal democracy, says Rahe.

Author : Robert A. Dahl
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 414 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2008-10-01
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0300153554

Get Book

Democracy and Its Critics by Robert A. Dahl Pdf

In this prize-winning book, one of the most prominent political theorists of our time makes a major statement about what democracy is and why it is important. Robert Dahl examines the most basic assumptions of democratic theory, tests them against the questions raised by its critics, and recasts the theory of democracy into a new and coherent whole. He concludes by discussing the directions in which democracy must move if advanced democratic states are to exist in the future. “When Robert Dahl speaks about democracy, everyone should listen. With Democracy and Its Critics Dahl has produced a work destined to become another classic.”—Lucian W. Pye, American Political Science Review “In this magisterial work [Dahl]… describe[s] what democracy means…; why our own democracy is still deeply flawed; and how we could reform it…. A work of extraordinary intelligence and, what is even rarer, a work of extraordinary wisdom.”—Robert N. Bellah, New York Times Book Review

Author : Stephen M. Krason
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2017-09-08
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781351296946

Get Book

The Transformation of the American Democratic Republic by Stephen M. Krason Pdf

In this stimulating volume, Stephen M. Krason considers whether the Founding Fathers' vision of the American democratic republic has been transformed and if so, in what ways. He looks to the basic principles of the Founding Fathers, then discusses the changes that resulted from evolving contemporary expectations about government. Referencing philosophical principles and the work of great Western thinkers, Krason then explores a variety of proposals that could forge a foundation for restoration. Acknowledging that any attempt to revive the Founders' views on a democratic republic must start in the public sphere, Krason focuses on concerned citizens who are aware of the extent to which our current political structures deviate from the Founders' vision and want to take action. Ultimately, a democratic republic can exist, be sustained, and flourish only when there is a deep commitment to it in the minds and norms of its people. Written by a foremost authority in the field of US Constitutional law, this book will appeal to those interested in American history, society, and politics.

Author : Kyle Scott
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 163 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2016-09-21
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781498503389

Get Book

The Limits of Politics by Kyle Scott Pdf

As political units grow it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a shared sense of humanity and to recognize people as individuals rather than anonymous beings. To overcome our most pressing political issues we need to develop a moral imagination so that we may renew our sense of connectedness and responsibility to one another. Bringing together politics and art is one way this can be accomplished. This book draws upon political sources as well as works in literature, film and theater to show the limits of politics and the need for a moral imagination.

Author : Dahl Robert A
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 397 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 1991
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 000210024X

Get Book

Democracy and Its Critics by Dahl Robert A Pdf

Author : Kenneth L. Deutsch,Ethan Fishman
Publisher : University Press of Kentucky
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2010-09-24
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780813139623

Get Book

The Dilemmas of American Conservatism by Kenneth L. Deutsch,Ethan Fishman Pdf

In the second half of the twentieth century, American conservatism emerged from the shadow of New Deal liberalism and developed into a movement exerting considerable influence on the formulation and execution of public policy in the United States. During that period, the political philosophers who provided the intellectual foundations for the American conservative movement were John H. Hallowell, Eric Voegelin, Leo Strauss, Richard Weaver, Russell Kirk, Robert Nisbet, John Courtney Murray, Friedrich Hayek, and Willmoore Kendall. By offering a comprehensive analysis of their thoughts and beliefs, The Dilemmas of American Conservatism both illuminates the American conservative imagination and reveals its most serious contradictions. The contributing authors question whether a core set of conservative principles can be determined based on the frequently diverging perspectives of these key philosophers.

Author : Brian Danoff,Louie Joseph Hebert
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 350 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2011
Category : Democracy
ISBN : 9780739145302

Get Book

Alexis de Tocqueville and the Art of Democratic Statesmanship by Brian Danoff,Louie Joseph Hebert Pdf

"At a time when the forces of administrative despotism are on the march and Winfreyesque rhetoric passes for moral leadership and intellectual sophistication, Brian Danoff and L. Joseph Hebert, Jr., have assembled a compelling collection of timely essays on the political thought of Alexis de Tocqueville, that liberal thinker of the first rank who endeavored to see f̀urther than the parties' without any pretense to post-partisanship, who understood that more democracy is not always the answer to every problem of democracy, and who concerned himself with educating democratic peoples so that they may live together as free citizens rather than exist independently as dependent subjects. This fine collection situates Tocqueville within the history of ideas, ancient and modern, and examines the significance of his observations, predictions, and prescriptions as they pertain to a wide variety of topics with contemporary relevance. The chapters in this volume articulate the proper relationship between political theory, political science, and political practice, emphasizing the necessity for genuine republican statesmanship while honestly wondering about its chances given the trajectory of late modern America."--Travis D. Smith. Concordia University, Montreal.

Author : John Albert Murley
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 958 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 0739106163

Get Book

Leo Strauss and His Legacy by John Albert Murley Pdf

With over 10,000 entries, this bibliography is the most comprehensive guide to published writing in the tradition of Leo Strauss, who lived from 1899 to 1973 and was one of the most influential political philosophers of the twentieth century. John A. Murley provides Strauss's own complete bibliography and identifies the work of hundreds of Strauss's students, and their students' students. Leo Strauss and His Legacy charts the path of influence of a beloved teacher and mentor, a deep and lasting heritage that permeates the classrooms of the twenty-first century. Each new generation of students of political philosophy will find this bibliography an indispensable resource.

Author : Ralph Hancock
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Page : 348 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2011-01-16
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781442207394

Get Book

The Responsibility of Reason by Ralph Hancock Pdf

In The Responsibility of Reason, Ralph C. Hancock undertakes no less than to answer the Heideggerian challenge. Offering trenchant and original interpretations of Aristotle, Heidegger, Strauss, and Alexis de Tocqueville, he argues that Tocqueville saw the essential more clearly than apparently deeper philosophers. Hancock addresses political theorists on the question of the grounding of liberalism, and, at the same time, philosophers on the most basic questions of the meaning and limits of reason. Moreover, he shows how these questions are for us inseparable.

Author : Patrick Deneen
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 389 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2009-01-10
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781400826896

Get Book

Democratic Faith by Patrick Deneen Pdf

The American political reformer Herbert Croly wrote, "For better or worse, democracy cannot be disentangled from an aspiration toward human perfectibility." Democratic Faith is at once a trenchant analysis and a powerful critique of this underlying assumption that informs democratic theory. Patrick Deneen argues that among democracy's most ardent supporters there is an oft-expressed belief in the need to "transform" human beings in order to reconcile the sometimes disappointing reality of human self-interest with the democratic ideal of selfless commitment. This "transformative impulse" is frequently couched in religious language, such as the need for political "redemption." This is all the more striking given the frequent accompanying condemnation of traditional religious belief that informs the "democratic faith.? At the same time, because so often this democratic ideal fails to materialize, democratic faith is often subject to a particularly intense form of disappointment. A mutually reinforcing cycle of faith and disillusionment is frequently exhibited by those who profess a democratic faith--in effect imperiling democratic commitments due to the cynicism of its most fervent erstwhile supporters. Deneen argues that democracy is ill-served by such faith. Instead, he proposes a form of "democratic realism" that recognizes democracy not as a regime with aspirations to perfection, but that justifies democracy as the regime most appropriate for imperfect humans. If democratic faith aspires to transformation, democratic realism insists on the central importance of humility, hope, and charity.

Author : Roslyn Fuller
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 107 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2019-10-18
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781509533152

Get Book

In Defence of Democracy by Roslyn Fuller Pdf

Should Brexit or Trump cause us to doubt our faith in democracy? Are ‘the people’ too ignorant or stupid to rule? Numerous commentators are seriously arguing that the answer to these questions might be ‘yes’. In this take-no-prisoners book, Canadian-Irish author Roslyn Fuller kicks these anti-democrats where it hurts the most – the facts. Fuller shows how many academics, journalists and politicians have embraced the idea that there can be ‘too much democracy’, and deftly unravels their attempts to end majority rule, whether through limiting the franchise, pursuing Chinese ‘meritocracy’ or confining participation to random legislation panels. She shows that Trump, Brexit or whatever other political event you may have disapproved of recently aren’t doing half the damage to democracy that elite self-righteousness and corruption are. In fact, argues Fuller, there are real reasons to be optimistic. Ancient methods can be combined with modern technology to revitalize democracy and allow the people to truly rule. In Defence of Democracy is a witty and energetic contribution to the debate on the future of democracy.

Author : Katerina Dalacoura
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 225 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2011-04-29
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781139498678

Get Book

Islamist Terrorism and Democracy in the Middle East by Katerina Dalacoura Pdf

What were the reasons behind the terrorist attacks of September 11th? Does the cause of Islamist terrorism relate to the lack of democracy in the Middle East? Through detailed research into the activities of both radical and moderate organizations across the Middle East, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and Hizbullah, and via interviews with key personnel, Katerina Dalacoura investigates whether repression and political exclusion pushed Islamist entities to adopt terrorist tactics. She also explores whether inclusion in the political process has had the opposite effect of encouraging Islamist groups toward moderation and ideological pragmatism. In a challenge to the conventional wisdom, she concludes that Islamist terrorism is not a direct consequence of authoritarianism in the Middle East and that there are many key factors that generate radicalism.

Author : Steven Michels
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 329 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2013-02-20
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781440802836

Get Book

The Case against Democracy by Steven Michels Pdf

The case for democracy is an intrinsic part of our political culture. This non-partisan book provides the other side of the story via well-researched history and current events that illuminate the theory and practice of democracy. Are the politics of the United States to blame for its current unsteady footing in the 21st century? This book aims to answer this uncomfortable but relevant question by examining the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, addressing complex topics such as the history of liberalism, the relationship between democracy and capitalism, the nature of representation, and the difference between government and politics. Each of the book's chapters focuses on a recognized shortcoming of popular government, such as inefficiency, self-interestedness, and non-participation. Each section begins by focusing on current events and tracing issues back through history—through to the American founding, and in many instances, to antiquity. In the conclusion, the author proposes a series of thought-provoking fixes.

Author : Astrid Noren Nilsson,Elizabeth Morrow,Riley Quinn
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 111 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2017-07-05
Category : Literary Criticism
ISBN : 9781351352178

Get Book

An Analysis of Robert A. Dahl's Democracy and its Critics by Astrid Noren Nilsson,Elizabeth Morrow,Riley Quinn Pdf

There are few better examples of analysis – the critical thinking skill of understanding how an argument is built – than Robert Dahl’s Democracy and its Critics. In this work, the American political theorist closely analyzes the democratic political system and then evaluates whether the arguments that are in favor of it are, in fact, rigorous. ¶Dahl sets out to describe democracy’s merits and problems, asking if it really is the worthwhile political system we believe it to be. Knowing that the idea of democracy is now almost universally popular, his detailed analysis leads him to look at a number of regimes that claim to be democratic but do not, in truth, practice democracy. But Dahl is not only interested in uncovering uncomfortable truths. He goes further and creates a set of standards by which we can all decide whether a country really is democratic. Dahl’s analysis of the evidence leads him to conclude that the following criteria must be met for a regime to be considered truly democratic: elected officials control policy-making; there are free and fair elections of officials; everyone must have a right to vote; everyone has the right to run for office; there is freedom of speech; alternative information is available; and people can form free, independent political groups.