Description
Book SynopsisAmerica, it is often argued, emerged from the Enlightenment. It follows that the prevailing elements of politics in the United States are echoes of struggles among what is here referred to as the moderate Enlightenment, the conservative Enlightenment, and the radical Enlightenment. These lead to conflicting political doctrines which variously address the fundamental questions of who should rule, and why, and how. The outcome is a confusing mélange of a tri-partite civil war among those who claim the Enlightenment as their own.This is accompanied by a long history of resistance, to the Enlightenment itself, a phenomenon which leads to deeper concerns. Sometimes referred to as the Counter-Enlightenment, this has been largely expressed by the Romantic contentions of an authoritarian nationalism. Indeed, its most dramatic manifestations have been realized in fascism and Nazism. In this manner, they constitute a step back into the historical mist, comprising a major attack on both rea
Trade ReviewFor years Dr. Paul Goldstene has published many noteworthy works on U.S. political theory. He is one of America’s pre-eminent political philosophers. Now he has written a seminal work titled Democracy and Its Enemies: The American Struggle for the Enlightenment. He provides a thorough account of the major threats to democratic ideals which flourish in today’s world. He argues the primary enemies of democracy are not from foreign lands but from right here at home. For the millions of Americans trying to explain how the U.S. arrived at the current malady of our body politic, this book provides the background. -- William Head, Head Chief of Office of History at Robins Air Force Base
Goldstene has chosen an important topic and carries out his analysis in a way that should dispel any notion that a truly radical “left” perspective has vanished from contemporary American political thought. His treatise addresses real problems with “the inclinations of corporatism” and will set its readers thinking, even if their thinking does not lead to the same conclusions as the author’s. -- Ramona Grey, University of Montana
Goldstene's argument, blending, as it does, learned historical and political scholarship with contemporary political conviction, is a must read example of powerful and provocative "political theory for today." -- Isaac Kramnick, Cornell University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Liberal Economics as a System of Power Chapter 2 - The Conservative Consequences of Liberal Supremacy Chapter 3 - The Romantic Assault on the Enlightenment Chapter 4 - Democracy and the Idea of Progress Chapter 5 - The Material Conditions of Democracy Chapter 6 - The Problem of Majorities Chapter 7 - A Liberal System Under Assault Chapter 8 - The American Version of Corporatism Chapter 9 - Pluralism, the Enlightenment, and Science Chapter 10 - From Liberal Man to Democratic Man
