Nature and History in American Political Development: A Debate

Nature and History in American Political Development: A Debate (The Alexis de Tocqueville Lectures on American Politics)
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In this inaugural volume of the Alexis de Tocqueville Lectures, political scientist James Ceaser traces the way certain ideas, including nature, history, and religionâ€•which he calls foundational ideasâ€•have been understood and used by statesmen and public intellectuals over the course of American history, from the Puritans to the current day. Ceaser treats these ideas not as pure concepts of philosophy or theology, but rather as elements of political discourse that provide the ground or ultimate appeal for other political ideas, such as liberty or equality. At times, they have critically influenced the course of American political development, offering various opportunities and constraints for political leaders. Ceaser traces the histories of these ideas and their relation to other ideas, to practices, and to the fortunes of successive partisan regimes. Three critical commentatorsâ€•historian Jack Rakove and political theorists Nancy Rosenblum and Rogers Smithâ€•challenge Ceaserâ€™s arguments in several ways. They suggest that other ideas may be considered foundational, and they prod him to clarify further how foundational ideas work politically. Ceaser responds with vigor, and the result is a spirited debate about large and enduring questions in American politics.
Country USA
Brand Harvard University Press
Manufacturer Harvard University Press
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780674027237
ReleaseDate 2008-02-04

Country	USA
Brand	Harvard University Press
Manufacturer	Harvard University Press
Binding	Paperback
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780674027237
ReleaseDate	2008-02-04

Nature and History in American Political Development: A Debate (The Alexis de Tocqueville Lectures on American Politics)