Democracy in America (eBook)

Alexis de Toqueville (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
797 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654738748-0 (EAN)

Infos

In the seminal work 'Democracy in America', Alexis de Tocqueville provides a profound analysis of the American political landscape of the early 19th century, with an acute focus on the success of republican representative democracy in the nascent United States. Tocqueville's explication of democracy is characterized by an astute understanding of political philosophy and sociology, set within a richly detailed observational style. His prescient discussions of potential pitfalls of democracy—including 'soft despotism' and the 'tyranny of the majority'—offer a sobering contemplation of democratic excess and the delicate balance of liberty and equality. Furthermore, the interplay between religion and state, and the fervor for egalitarianism, foreshadow complexities that resonate in modern political discourse and the rise of totalitarian regimes in the subsequent centuries.

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker, and historian, embarked upon a visit to America with the original intent of studying its prison systems but found himself instead captivated by the broader societal implications of American democracy. His unique external perspective afforded a comparative analysis which dissected the contrasts between European aristocratic lineage and the burgeoning democratic ethos of America. Tocqueville's intellectual milieu, shaped by the aftershocks of the French Revolution and the ripples of the Enlightenment, guided his penetrating gaze into the heart of democratic function and its susceptibility to certain perils inherent in the unbridled pursuit of equality.

'Democracy in America' stands as an essential read for anyone invested in the understanding of democratic principles and their application within society. Tocqueville's eloquence and depth of insight offer invaluable lessons for both historians and contemporary political theorists. The relevance of the themes addressed in his magnum opus transcends the era of its composition, casting light upon the strengths and weaknesses that continue to define democratic governance. This book remains a cornerstone for scholarly discussion and a compass by which we can navigate the complex terrain of political interplay and societal balance in the quest for true liberty and equality.

Autor

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) was a French political thinker and historian best known for his seminal work 'Democracy in America' (1835-1840). Born into an aristocratic family in Paris, Tocqueville witnessed the transformation of society through the French Revolution and the subsequent rise of Napoleon. This backdrop ignited his interest in the nature of democracy and its effects on social and political life. 'Democracy in America' emerged from Tocqueville's astute observations during his extensive travels in the United States, a journey undertaken with the purported goal of studying the American penal system. The book delves deeply into the American democratic process and its cultural implications, offering profound insights that remain relevant to this day. His analysis encompasses the influence of democracy on civil society, political institutions, and individual beliefs, emphasizing the balance between liberty and equality. Tocqueville's literary style combined a keen sociological perspective with an elegant, narrative prose, thereby profoundly impacting the development of both political science and historical analysis. The breadth and depth of Tocqueville's thought in 'Democracy in America' encapsulate his enduring legacy as a foundational figure in the study of democratic societies.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.11.2022
• Übersetzer: Henry Reeve
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Politik / Verwaltung ► Politische Theorie
• Schlagworte: 19th century political texts • Alexis de Tocqueville works • american political thought • American Revolution • Bill of rights • Civil War • Classical Liberalism • Common sense • democracy analysis • egalitarian society principles • Grant • Hamilton • Historical political discourse • Ken Follett • Lincoln • national identity critique • Political Philosophy • Rights of Men • ron chernow • sociopolitical studies