The Fragility of Freedom

Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy, and the American Future

Joshua Mitchell

The Fragility of Freedom
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Joshua Mitchell

288 pages | 6 x 9 | © 1995
Cloth $59.00 ISBN: 9780226532080 Published October 1995
Paper $25.00 ISBN: 9780226532097 Published May 1999
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
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
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