Description
Book SynopsisTracing the history of a salient idea in American political thought, this book elucidates the assumptions underlying participatory democracy. It also assesses both its usefulness and coherence, and reveals it to be less a theory than a faith - a faith that has largely failed to follow through on its promise.
Trade ReviewAn impressive book.... It has particular strengths in its comprehensive treatment of each thinker, its lucid and readable presentation, and the author's considerable ability to clarify what are sometimes difficult and even technical aspects of each thinker's philosophy.
-- Patrick J. Deneen, Georgetown University
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Charles Peirce: The Joyful Nirvana of the Unlimited Community
2. The Lonely Courage of William James
3. The John Dewey School of Democracy
4. C. Wright Mills: The Oracle of the New Left
5. Sheldon Wolin and Melancholic Democracy
6. Benjamin Barber and Quixotic Democracy
7. Participatory Democracy: An Impoverished Theory and Its Legacy
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
