Description
Book SynopsisProvides a fresh perspective on the problem of civic engagement, challenging idealists who aspire to revolutionize democracies and their citizens. This title identifies ways to achieve the political engagement we want and need without resorting to coercive measures such as compulsory national service or mandatory voting.
Trade ReviewWinner of the 2012 Book Award, North American Society for Social Philosophy "Acknowledging that there are real limits to how involved citizens will be in political activity, [Berger] develops a sophisticated and balanced argument for policies to enhance political engagement, mainly through institutional changes to encourage and especially to make better use of citizens' activity. The book is clearly written and accessible."--Choice "I applaud Berger's effort to add analytic rigor to discussions that frequently devolve into reflexive paeans to civic engagement."--Justin Buchler, Perspectives on Politics "Arendt and/or Tocqueville scholars may find Attention Deficit Democracy of interest. Berger offers contributions to scholarship on both, although his readings are not revolutionary... [T]he strength of Berger's treatment of Arendt and Tocqueville is not novel interpretations, but the creative application of their thinking in explaining ADD."--Michael T. Rogers, Political Studies Review
Table of ContentsPreface vii CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1 CHAPTER 2: The Rules of Engagement 24 CHAPTER 3: Political Engagement as Intrinsic Good: Arendt and Company 52 CHAPTER 4: Political Engagement as Instrumental Good: Tocqueville, Attention Deficit, and Energy 83 CHAPTER 5: Is Political Engagement Better Than Sex? 121 CHAPTER 6: Conclusion: Tocqueville vs. the Full Monty 144 Bibliography 175 Index 195
