ECU Libraries Catalog

Nature and History in American Political Development : A Debate

Author/creator Ceaser, James W. Author
Format Electronic and Book
Publication InfoCambridge : Harvard University Press
Description240 p. ill 08.250 x 05.500 in.
Supplemental Content Full text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subject(s)
Other author/creatorRakove, Jack N. Other Primary Creator
Other author/creatorRosenblum, Nancy L. Other Primary Creator
Other author/creatorSmith, Rogers M. Other Primary Creator
Other author/creatorSkocpol, Theda Foreword by
Series The Alexis de Tocqueville Lectures on American Politics Ser.
Summary Annotation <p>In this inaugural volume of the Alexis de Tocqueville Lectures, political scientist James Ceaser traces the way certain ideas, including nature, history, and religion&amp;mdash;which he calls foundational ideas&amp;mdash;have been understood and used by statesmen and public intellectuals over the course of American history, from the Puritans to the current day. Ceaser treats these ideas not as pure concepts of philosophy or theology, but rather as elements of political discourse that provide the ground or ultimate appeal for other political ideas, such as liberty or equality. At times, they have critically influenced the course of American political development, offering various opportunities and constraints for political leaders. Ceaser traces the histories of these ideas and their relation to other ideas, to practices, and to the fortunes of successive partisan regimes.</p><p>Three critical commentators&amp;mdash;historian Jack Rakove and political theorists Nancy Rosenblum and Rogers Smith&amp;mdash;challenge Ceaser&amp;s arguments in several ways. They suggest that other ideas may be considered foundational, and they prod him to clarify further how foundational ideas work politically. Ceaser responds with vigor, and the result is a spirited debate about large and enduring questions in American politics.</p>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9780674027237
ISBN067402723X (Perfect) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780674027237
Stock number00011705

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