Democracy in America — Volume 2 by Alexis de Tocqueville

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Author Tocqueville, Alexis de, 1805-1859
Translator Reeve, Henry, 1813-1895
Title Democracy in America — Volume 2
Credits Produced by David Reed and David Widger
Summary "Democracy in America — Volume 2" by Alexis de Tocqueville is a profound sociopolitical analysis written in the early 19th century. The text delves into the influence of democracy on American society, examining how the principle of equality shapes mental frameworks and societal norms, diverging significantly from the aristocratic traditions of Europe. Tocqueville's objective is to analyze the interplay between democracy and intellectual life, exploring both the benefits and potential hazards that arise from a democratic social structure. The opening of the second volume sets the stage for Tocqueville's exploration of how democracy affects the actions of intellect in the United States. He observes that Americans tend to rely heavily on their own reasoning rather than deferring to traditional philosophical schools, yielding a unique philosophical method rooted in personal inquiry. Tocqueville also notes that this focus on individual understanding often leads to a skepticism towards abstract concepts and a tendency to dismiss the supernatural. He highlights the complexities of belief in democratic societies, asserting that while dogmatic beliefs are necessary for societal cohesion, they are shaped by the prevailing democratic ethos. Through these initial ideas, Tocqueville begins a comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of democracy, thought, and societal habits affecting American culture. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class JK: Political science: Political inst. and pub. Admin.: United States
Subject United States -- Politics and government
Subject United States -- Social conditions
Subject Democracy -- United States
Category Text
EBook-No. 816
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Mar 21, 2013
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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