The Fragility of Freedom: Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy, and the American Future

By Joshua Mitchell

Book Overview

In this fresh interpretation of Tocqueville's thought, Joshua Mitchell explores the dynamic interplay between religion and politics in American democracy.

Focusing on Democracy in America, The Fragility of Freedom examines Tocqueville's key works and argues that his analysis of democracy is ultimately rooted in an Augustinian view of human psychology. As much a work of political philosophy as of religion, The Fragility of Freedom argues for the importance of a political theology that recognizes moderation.

"An intelligent and sharply drawn portrait of a conservative Toqueville."-Anne C. Rose, Journal of American History

"I recommend this book as one of a very few to approach seriously the sources of Tocqueville's intellectual and moral greatness."-Peter Augustine Lawler, Journal of Politics

"Mitchell ably places Democracy in America in the long conversation of Western political and theological thought."-Wilfred M. McClay, First Things

"Learned and thought-provoking."-Peter Berkowitz, New Republic

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226532097
• ISBN13: 9780226532097
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Book to Return To

This profoundly learned and balanced book draws on the geatest minds (Tocqueville being only one, also Nietzsche, Augustine, Rousseau, etc.) to identify and weigh issues with which America now ought to be concerned. One may return again and again to "ruminate" over any part from cover to cover, even a paragraph, always coming away with insight into today's world. One of its many strengths lies in revealing how conventionally-accepted formations of social and political problems only mask deeper issues that require real attention. With the the "problem" of racism, for example, the deeper, thornier issue is the memory of slavery. Mitchell holds great thinkers to great scrutiny, but with great respect. The insights in the footnotes alone are worth the price of the book.

Referred to: on a weekly basis; Purchased: 5 years ago

If you are reading Democracy in America and attempting to come to terms with Alexis de Tocqueville as he pertains to 21st century America, there is no better book I could suggest to you than Joshua Mitchell's The Fragility of Freedom. Professor Joshua Mitchell, of Georgetown University, is indeed gifted at breathing life into what many students too often and mistakenly view as "dry" political theory. It was through Mitchell's guidance that I began to see Tocqueville's ideas - the need to fill the void within ourselves; America's ever expanding boundaries; self definition by action and acquistion - not only existing but thriving in America today. Political theory and philosophy came alive! It was exciting and that had never happened to me before.For a student of Political Science, Philosophy or American History, this book is a must read. It's been over five years since I purchased this book and I still refer to it on a weekly basis.