Description
Book SynopsisAmerican values and institutions are under stress, from terrorist attacks by opposing worldviews abroad to widespread domestic skepticism that American traditions are more valuable than others. In this book, Donald Devine asks whether these values can survive or be defended in a West that questions all traditions. Devine raises questions that are answered as the chapters develop, keeping readers engaged, while preventing quick dismissals of the concerns held by those not inclined to support the book''s thesis_that Western vision and American values are worth questioning or defending. All standard solutions are considered and are brought together in an investigation of Western values that has a traditionalist bend, but still leaves the largest questions open for the reader to contemplate_including whether American values will in fact survive.
Trade ReviewThe author reminds us that freedom is never forever—it must be continually reborn, protected and justified. It is under attack, both from without and within, as the war on terror and the war in Iraq intrude themselves daily. …But the main concern in this richly philosophical, carefully documented work is revealed in its subtitle, 'American values under siege.' Mr. Devine holds that America's cultural recovery and security lie in our getting back to basics. Without knowing our roots, he argues, we have become a nation adrift, a drift reflected in the tattering of our national culture from Hollywood to Broadway. -- William H. Peterson, Washington Times * The Washington Times *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Contesting World Traditions Chapter 4 Making Traditional Rational and Scientific Chapter 5 The Western Vision Chapter 6 American Values and Institutions Chapter 7 Early Constitutional Issues Chapter 8 Community, Government, and Individual Responsibility Chapter 9 The Market, Freedom, and Spontaneous Order Chapter 10 Market and Democratic Decay Chapter 11 American Government and Political Equality Chapter 12 Social Justice in America Chapter 13 Business and Work Responsibility Chapter 14 Values, Citizenship, and the Good Society Chapter 15 Epilogue Chapter 16 Index Chapter 17 About the Author
