The Democratic Spirit of Law

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Democracy
Cover of the book The Democratic Spirit of Law by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781351483872
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781351483872
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this major new work, Dominique Schnapper continues her investigation into changes in contemporary democracy. Although she concentrates on the French example, The Democratic Spirit of Law concerns all democratic societies.Schnapper warns against the danger of corrupting the "principles," as defined by Montesquieu, on which democracy is based. If democracy becomes "extreme," all its founding principles risk being corrupted. Respect for institutions is necessary for freedom to be effective. Furthermore, if democrats cease to distinguish between facts and values, religion and politics, politics and the judiciary, knowledge and opinion, and knowledge and intuition, they will sink into absolute relativism or a nihilism that threatens the very values on which democratic society is based.By pointing out the danger of corruption inherent in the democratic promise of freedom, equality, and happiness, the author provides intellectual weapons not only to understand, but also to defend democracy, the only system in history, despite its limits and failures, that has humanely organized human societies. Democracy's future depends on citizens' preservation of the founding spirit of the democratic order: recognition of others, and free, reasonable, and controlled criticism of legitimate institutions.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this major new work, Dominique Schnapper continues her investigation into changes in contemporary democracy. Although she concentrates on the French example, The Democratic Spirit of Law concerns all democratic societies.Schnapper warns against the danger of corrupting the "principles," as defined by Montesquieu, on which democracy is based. If democracy becomes "extreme," all its founding principles risk being corrupted. Respect for institutions is necessary for freedom to be effective. Furthermore, if democrats cease to distinguish between facts and values, religion and politics, politics and the judiciary, knowledge and opinion, and knowledge and intuition, they will sink into absolute relativism or a nihilism that threatens the very values on which democratic society is based.By pointing out the danger of corruption inherent in the democratic promise of freedom, equality, and happiness, the author provides intellectual weapons not only to understand, but also to defend democracy, the only system in history, despite its limits and failures, that has humanely organized human societies. Democracy's future depends on citizens' preservation of the founding spirit of the democratic order: recognition of others, and free, reasonable, and controlled criticism of legitimate institutions.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Voting and Migration Patterns in the U.S. by
Cover of the book The Psychotic by
Cover of the book Independence from America by
Cover of the book Automaticity and Control in Language Processing by
Cover of the book Discrete Choice Modelling and Air Travel Demand by
Cover of the book Women and European Employment by
Cover of the book Expatriate Identities in Postcolonial Organizations by
Cover of the book Marriage Ceremonies in Morocco (Routledge Revivals) by
Cover of the book Jungian Crime Scene Analysis by
Cover of the book Nutrition Counseling in the Treatment of Eating Disorders by
Cover of the book Stitching the World: Embroidered Maps and Women’s Geographical Education by
Cover of the book The Culture of Secrecy in Japanese Religion by
Cover of the book White Mythologies by
Cover of the book Eastern European Theatre After the Iron Curtain by
Cover of the book Network Developments in Economic Spatial Systems by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy