Montesquieu's Philosophy of Liberalism

Montesquieu's Philosophy of Liberalism

Author: Thomas L. Pangle

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2020-04-07

Total Pages: 347

ISBN-13: 022676494X

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This first comprehensive commentary on The Spirit of the Laws uncovers and explicates the plan of Montesquieu's famous but baffling treatise. Pangle brings to light Montesquieu's rethinking of the philosophical groundwork of liberalism, showing how The Spirit of the Laws enlarges and enriches the liberal conception of natural right by means of a new appeal to History as the source of basic norms.


Book Synopsis Montesquieu's Philosophy of Liberalism by : Thomas L. Pangle

Download or read book Montesquieu's Philosophy of Liberalism written by Thomas L. Pangle and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2020-04-07 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This first comprehensive commentary on The Spirit of the Laws uncovers and explicates the plan of Montesquieu's famous but baffling treatise. Pangle brings to light Montesquieu's rethinking of the philosophical groundwork of liberalism, showing how The Spirit of the Laws enlarges and enriches the liberal conception of natural right by means of a new appeal to History as the source of basic norms.


Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics

Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics

Author: Keegan Callanan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2018-08-23

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1108428177

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Montesquieu's liberalism and critique of universalism in politics, often thought to stand in tension, comprise a coherent philosophical and political project.


Book Synopsis Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics by : Keegan Callanan

Download or read book Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics written by Keegan Callanan and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2018-08-23 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Montesquieu's liberalism and critique of universalism in politics, often thought to stand in tension, comprise a coherent philosophical and political project.


The Theological Basis of Liberal Modernity in Montesquieu's "Spirit of the Laws"

The Theological Basis of Liberal Modernity in Montesquieu's

Author: Thomas L. Pangle

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2010-05-15

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 0226645525

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The Spirit of the Laws—Montesquieu’s huge, complex, and enormously influential work—is considered one of the central texts of the Enlightenment, laying the foundation for the liberally democratic political regimes that were to embody its values. In his penetrating analysis, Thomas L. Pangle brilliantly argues that the inherently theological project of Enlightenment liberalism is made more clearly—and more consequentially— in Spirit than in any other work. In a probing and careful reading, Pangle shows how Montesquieu believed that rationalism, through the influence of liberal institutions and the spread of commercial culture, would secularize human affairs. At the same time, Pangle uncovers Montesquieu’s views about the origins of humanity’s religious impulse and his confidence that political and economic security would make people less likely to sacrifice worldly well-being for otherworldly hopes. With the interest in the theological aspects of political theory and practice showing no signs of diminishing, this book is a timely and insightful contribution to one of the key achievements of Enlightenment thought.


Book Synopsis The Theological Basis of Liberal Modernity in Montesquieu's "Spirit of the Laws" by : Thomas L. Pangle

Download or read book The Theological Basis of Liberal Modernity in Montesquieu's "Spirit of the Laws" written by Thomas L. Pangle and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2010-05-15 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Spirit of the Laws—Montesquieu’s huge, complex, and enormously influential work—is considered one of the central texts of the Enlightenment, laying the foundation for the liberally democratic political regimes that were to embody its values. In his penetrating analysis, Thomas L. Pangle brilliantly argues that the inherently theological project of Enlightenment liberalism is made more clearly—and more consequentially— in Spirit than in any other work. In a probing and careful reading, Pangle shows how Montesquieu believed that rationalism, through the influence of liberal institutions and the spread of commercial culture, would secularize human affairs. At the same time, Pangle uncovers Montesquieu’s views about the origins of humanity’s religious impulse and his confidence that political and economic security would make people less likely to sacrifice worldly well-being for otherworldly hopes. With the interest in the theological aspects of political theory and practice showing no signs of diminishing, this book is a timely and insightful contribution to one of the key achievements of Enlightenment thought.


Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics

Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics

Author: Keegan Callanan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2018-08-23

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 1108552692

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Snowflakes, a series of eight readers for students of classes 1 to 8, is meant primarily to inculcate in children a love for reading as well as appropriate reading skills. Just as each individual snowflake is unique, the content of the series is unique in terms of its literary linguistic and pedagogical merit. The selections include a wide range of stories, poems, prose pieces, plays and excerpts which have been collated from both classic and contemporary sources. Care has been to taken to ensure that they expose students to diverse genres and socio-cultural contexts.


Book Synopsis Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics by : Keegan Callanan

Download or read book Montesquieu's Liberalism and the Problem of Universal Politics written by Keegan Callanan and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2018-08-23 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Snowflakes, a series of eight readers for students of classes 1 to 8, is meant primarily to inculcate in children a love for reading as well as appropriate reading skills. Just as each individual snowflake is unique, the content of the series is unique in terms of its literary linguistic and pedagogical merit. The selections include a wide range of stories, poems, prose pieces, plays and excerpts which have been collated from both classic and contemporary sources. Care has been to taken to ensure that they expose students to diverse genres and socio-cultural contexts.


French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day

French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day

Author: Raf Geenens

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-01-19

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 1139505505

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There is an enduring assumption that the French have never been and will never be liberal. As with all clichés, this contains a grain of truth, but it also overlooks an important school of thought that has been a constant presence in French intellectual and political culture for nearly three centuries: French political liberalism. In this collaborative volume, a distinguished group of philosophers, political theorists and intellectual historians uncover this unjustly neglected tradition. The chapters examine the nature and distinctiveness of French liberalism, providing a comprehensive treatment of major themes including French liberalism's relationship with republicanism, Protestantism, utilitarianism and the human rights tradition. Individual chapters are devoted to Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Aron, Lefort and Gauchet, as well as to some lesser known, yet important thinkers, including several political economists and French-style 'neoliberals'. French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day is essential reading for all those interested in the history of political thought.


Book Synopsis French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day by : Raf Geenens

Download or read book French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day written by Raf Geenens and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-01-19 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is an enduring assumption that the French have never been and will never be liberal. As with all clichés, this contains a grain of truth, but it also overlooks an important school of thought that has been a constant presence in French intellectual and political culture for nearly three centuries: French political liberalism. In this collaborative volume, a distinguished group of philosophers, political theorists and intellectual historians uncover this unjustly neglected tradition. The chapters examine the nature and distinctiveness of French liberalism, providing a comprehensive treatment of major themes including French liberalism's relationship with republicanism, Protestantism, utilitarianism and the human rights tradition. Individual chapters are devoted to Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Aron, Lefort and Gauchet, as well as to some lesser known, yet important thinkers, including several political economists and French-style 'neoliberals'. French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day is essential reading for all those interested in the history of political thought.


Democracy in Moderation

Democracy in Moderation

Author: Paul O. Carrese

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-04-15

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1316558789

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Democracy in Moderation views constitutional liberal democracy as grounded in a principle of avoiding extremes and striking the right balance among its defining principles of liberty, equality, religion, and sustainable order, thus tempering tendencies toward sectarian excess. Such moderation originally informed liberal democracy, but now is neglected. Moderation can guide us intellectually and practically about domestic and foreign policy debates, but also serve the sustainability of the constitutional, liberal republic as a whole. Our recent theory thus doesn't help our practice, given our concerns about polarization and sectarianism in ideas, policy, and politics. A rediscovery of Montesquieu and his legacy in shaping America's complex political order, including influence on Washington's practical moderation and Tocqueville's philosophical moderation, addresses these enduring theoretical and practical problems. Moderation also offers a deeper theory of leadership or statesmanship, particularly regarding religion and politics, and of foreign policy and strategy rooted in liberal democracy's first principles.


Book Synopsis Democracy in Moderation by : Paul O. Carrese

Download or read book Democracy in Moderation written by Paul O. Carrese and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-04-15 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Democracy in Moderation views constitutional liberal democracy as grounded in a principle of avoiding extremes and striking the right balance among its defining principles of liberty, equality, religion, and sustainable order, thus tempering tendencies toward sectarian excess. Such moderation originally informed liberal democracy, but now is neglected. Moderation can guide us intellectually and practically about domestic and foreign policy debates, but also serve the sustainability of the constitutional, liberal republic as a whole. Our recent theory thus doesn't help our practice, given our concerns about polarization and sectarianism in ideas, policy, and politics. A rediscovery of Montesquieu and his legacy in shaping America's complex political order, including influence on Washington's practical moderation and Tocqueville's philosophical moderation, addresses these enduring theoretical and practical problems. Moderation also offers a deeper theory of leadership or statesmanship, particularly regarding religion and politics, and of foreign policy and strategy rooted in liberal democracy's first principles.


Montesquieu and the Despotic Ideas of Europe

Montesquieu and the Despotic Ideas of Europe

Author: Vickie B. Sullivan

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2017-09-05

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 022648291X

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Montesquieu is famous as a tireless critic of despotism, which he associates overtly with Asia and the Middle East and not with the apparently more moderate Western models of governance found throughout Europe. However, Vickie B. Sullivan argues that a creaful reading of Montesquieu's enormously influential The Spirit of the Law reveals the surprising result that he recognizes that Europe itself is susceptible to despotic practices - and that the threat emanates not from the East but rather from certain despotic ideas that inform Western institutions and practices. Sullivan guides readers through Montesquieu's sometimes veiled yet sharply critical accounts of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Aristotle, and Plato, as well as various Christian thinkers have brough forth despotic ideas in the form, for example, of brutal Machiavellianism, of Hobbes's justifications for the rule of one, of Plato's reasoning that denied slaves the right of natural defense, and of the Christian teachings that equated heresy with treason. Such ideas, Montesquieu shows, inform such revered European institutions as the French monarchy and the Roman Catholic Church. In this new reading of Montesquieu's masterwork, Sullivan corrects the misconception that it offers simple, objective observations, showing it to be instead a powerful critique of European politics that would become remarkably and regrettably prescient after Montesquieu's death, when despotism repeatedly emerged in Europe with virulent intensity. -- from dust jacket.


Book Synopsis Montesquieu and the Despotic Ideas of Europe by : Vickie B. Sullivan

Download or read book Montesquieu and the Despotic Ideas of Europe written by Vickie B. Sullivan and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2017-09-05 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Montesquieu is famous as a tireless critic of despotism, which he associates overtly with Asia and the Middle East and not with the apparently more moderate Western models of governance found throughout Europe. However, Vickie B. Sullivan argues that a creaful reading of Montesquieu's enormously influential The Spirit of the Law reveals the surprising result that he recognizes that Europe itself is susceptible to despotic practices - and that the threat emanates not from the East but rather from certain despotic ideas that inform Western institutions and practices. Sullivan guides readers through Montesquieu's sometimes veiled yet sharply critical accounts of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Aristotle, and Plato, as well as various Christian thinkers have brough forth despotic ideas in the form, for example, of brutal Machiavellianism, of Hobbes's justifications for the rule of one, of Plato's reasoning that denied slaves the right of natural defense, and of the Christian teachings that equated heresy with treason. Such ideas, Montesquieu shows, inform such revered European institutions as the French monarchy and the Roman Catholic Church. In this new reading of Montesquieu's masterwork, Sullivan corrects the misconception that it offers simple, objective observations, showing it to be instead a powerful critique of European politics that would become remarkably and regrettably prescient after Montesquieu's death, when despotism repeatedly emerged in Europe with virulent intensity. -- from dust jacket.


Globalization and Liberalism

Globalization and Liberalism

Author: Trevor Shelley

Publisher: University of Notre Dame Pess

Published: 2020-04-30

Total Pages: 373

ISBN-13: 0268107319

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In this learned and wide-ranging book, Trevor Shelley engages the controversial topic of globalization through philosophical exegesis of great texts. Globalization and Liberalism illustrates and defends the idea that at the heart of the human world is the antinomy of the universal and the particular. Various thinkers have emphasized one aspect of this tension over the other. Some, such as Rousseau and Schmitt, have defended pure particularity. Others, such as Habermas, have uncritically welcomed the intimations of the world state. Against these twin extremes of radical nationalism and antipolitical universalism, this book seeks to recover a middle or moderate position—the liberal position. To find this via media, Shelley traces a tradition of French liberal political thinkers who take account of both sides of the antinomy: Montesquieu, Tocqueville, and Manent. As Shelley argues, each of these thinkers defends the integrity of political bodies, denies that the universal perspective is the only legitimate perspective, and recognizes that, without differences and distinctions across the political landscape, self-government and freedom of action are impossible. As human beings, we can live free and fulfilling lives neither as isolated individuals nor as members of humanity. Rather, we require a properly constituted particular political community in which we can make manifest our universal humanity. In the liberalism of these three thinkers, we find the resources to think through what such a political community might look like. Globalism and Liberalism demonstrates the importance of these writers for addressing today’s challenges and will interest political theorists, historians of political thought, and specialists of French political thought.


Book Synopsis Globalization and Liberalism by : Trevor Shelley

Download or read book Globalization and Liberalism written by Trevor Shelley and published by University of Notre Dame Pess. This book was released on 2020-04-30 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this learned and wide-ranging book, Trevor Shelley engages the controversial topic of globalization through philosophical exegesis of great texts. Globalization and Liberalism illustrates and defends the idea that at the heart of the human world is the antinomy of the universal and the particular. Various thinkers have emphasized one aspect of this tension over the other. Some, such as Rousseau and Schmitt, have defended pure particularity. Others, such as Habermas, have uncritically welcomed the intimations of the world state. Against these twin extremes of radical nationalism and antipolitical universalism, this book seeks to recover a middle or moderate position—the liberal position. To find this via media, Shelley traces a tradition of French liberal political thinkers who take account of both sides of the antinomy: Montesquieu, Tocqueville, and Manent. As Shelley argues, each of these thinkers defends the integrity of political bodies, denies that the universal perspective is the only legitimate perspective, and recognizes that, without differences and distinctions across the political landscape, self-government and freedom of action are impossible. As human beings, we can live free and fulfilling lives neither as isolated individuals nor as members of humanity. Rather, we require a properly constituted particular political community in which we can make manifest our universal humanity. In the liberalism of these three thinkers, we find the resources to think through what such a political community might look like. Globalism and Liberalism demonstrates the importance of these writers for addressing today’s challenges and will interest political theorists, historians of political thought, and specialists of French political thought.


The Spirit of Laws

The Spirit of Laws

Author: Charles de Secondat baron de Montesquieu

Publisher:

Published: 1886

Total Pages: 492

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Spirit of Laws by : Charles de Secondat baron de Montesquieu

Download or read book The Spirit of Laws written by Charles de Secondat baron de Montesquieu and published by . This book was released on 1886 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Erotic Liberalism

Erotic Liberalism

Author: Diana J. Schaub

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13:

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A treatment of Montesquieu's Persian Letters, which argues that the novel is a philosophic critique of despotism in all its forms: domestic, political and religious. It shows that Montesquieu believed that the Enlightenment failed as a philosophy by not recognising man as an erotic being.


Book Synopsis Erotic Liberalism by : Diana J. Schaub

Download or read book Erotic Liberalism written by Diana J. Schaub and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 1995 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A treatment of Montesquieu's Persian Letters, which argues that the novel is a philosophic critique of despotism in all its forms: domestic, political and religious. It shows that Montesquieu believed that the Enlightenment failed as a philosophy by not recognising man as an erotic being.