The Europeanization of the World

On the Origins of Human Rights and Democracy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Local Government, History, European General
Cover of the book The Europeanization of the World by John M. Headley, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John M. Headley ISBN: 9781400880249
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: John M. Headley
ISBN: 9781400880249
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: July 26, 2016
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

The Europeanization of the World puts forward a defense of Western civilization and the unique gifts it has bequeathed to the world-in particular, human rights and constitutional democracy-at a time when many around the globe equate the West with hubris and thinly veiled imperialism. John Headley argues that the Renaissance and the Reformation provided the effective currents for the development of two distinctive political ideas. The first is the idea of a common humanity, derived from antiquity, developed through natural law, and worked out in the new emerging global context to provide the basis for today's concept of universal human rights. The second is the idea of political dissent, first posited in the course of the Protestant Reformation and later maturing in the politics of the British monarchy.

Headley traces the development and implications of this first idea from antiquity to the present. He examines the English revolution of 1688 and party government in Britain and America into the early nineteenth century. And he challenges the now--common stance in historical studies of moral posturing against the West. Headley contends that these unique ideas are Western civilization's most precious export, however presently distorted. Certainly European culture has its dark side--Auschwitz is but one example. Yet as Headley shows, no other civilization in history has bequeathed so sustained a tradition of universalizing aspirations as the West. The Europeanization of the World makes an argument that is controversial but long overdue. Written by one of our preeminent scholars of the Renaissance and Reformation, this elegantly reasoned book is certain to spark a much-needed reappraisal of the Western tradition.

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

The Europeanization of the World puts forward a defense of Western civilization and the unique gifts it has bequeathed to the world-in particular, human rights and constitutional democracy-at a time when many around the globe equate the West with hubris and thinly veiled imperialism. John Headley argues that the Renaissance and the Reformation provided the effective currents for the development of two distinctive political ideas. The first is the idea of a common humanity, derived from antiquity, developed through natural law, and worked out in the new emerging global context to provide the basis for today's concept of universal human rights. The second is the idea of political dissent, first posited in the course of the Protestant Reformation and later maturing in the politics of the British monarchy.

Headley traces the development and implications of this first idea from antiquity to the present. He examines the English revolution of 1688 and party government in Britain and America into the early nineteenth century. And he challenges the now--common stance in historical studies of moral posturing against the West. Headley contends that these unique ideas are Western civilization's most precious export, however presently distorted. Certainly European culture has its dark side--Auschwitz is but one example. Yet as Headley shows, no other civilization in history has bequeathed so sustained a tradition of universalizing aspirations as the West. The Europeanization of the World makes an argument that is controversial but long overdue. Written by one of our preeminent scholars of the Renaissance and Reformation, this elegantly reasoned book is certain to spark a much-needed reappraisal of the Western tradition.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Oranges and Snow by John M. Headley
Cover of the book The Curse of Cash by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Mathematics for the Life Sciences by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Out of Eden by John M. Headley
Cover of the book The Rebbe by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Bayesian Non- and Semi-parametric Methods and Applications by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Coding Freedom by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Jewish Questions by John M. Headley
Cover of the book The Backyard Birdsong Guide Eastern and Central North America by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Looking Inside the Brain by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Foreign Direct Investment by John M. Headley
Cover of the book The Poetry Lesson by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Knocking on the Door by John M. Headley
Cover of the book The Persuadable Voter by John M. Headley
Cover of the book Talaat Pasha by John M. Headley
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