Tocqueville

James T. Schleifer is emeritus Dean of the Library and Professor of History at the College of New Rochelle

"This comprehensive and sensitive introduction will be hard to outclass. Schleifer shows, in clear and elegant prose, the meaning and significance of Tocqueville's writings and why his reflections on democracy continue to be so pertinent, especially in these troubled times."—Michael Drolet, Worcester College, Oxford"James Schleifer's new book sheds fresh light on the enduring relevance of Tocqueville's ideas on democracy and offers a nuanced account of the current interest in his works in non-Western contexts (Japan, China). By placing Tocqueville's writings and ideas in dialogue with those of other thinkers from Weber to Hayek to Piketty, Schleifer convincingly demonstrates why the author of Democracy in America remains an indispensable reference for our postmodern age."—Aurelian Craiutu, Indiana University, Bloomington"Meticulously and concisely written by a top expert, Schleifer's Tocqueville will prove to be rewarding reading for the general audience and a useful reference for specialists."—Kuangyu Zhao, Indiana University

• Introduction Ch. 1. Alexis de Tocqueville: A Brief BiographyCh. 2. Tocqueville’s First PrinciplesDemocracy on the MarchThree Causes: Circumstances, Laws, and MoresThe Complexity of SocietyRejection of AbsolutesThe Right of PropertyImpartiality and ModerationCh. 3. Tocqueville’s Major ThemesEqualityDemocracyLibertyRevolutionCh. 4. Consequences of Democracy: How Does Democracy Change Society?Harmful ConsequencesTaste for Material Well-BeingThe Reign of Commerce and Commercial AttitudesIndividualismTyranny of the MajorityDespotism of One ManCentralization and the New Democratic DespotismBeneficial ConsequencesSocial Energy, Economic Activity, and Increased Well-BeingJusticeCitizenshipPsychological Consequences: The New Democratic ManImagined ConsequencesCh. 5. Proposed Cures: What Is To Be Done?Secondary Bodies: Localities, Provinces, and AssociationsIndividual Rights and Freedom of the PressInterest Well UnderstoodReligionHigher PurposesCh. 6. Tocqueville, Economic Ideas, and Social ReformEconomic IdeasSocial ReformThe Role of GovernmentJustice RevisitedCh. 7. Tocqueville’s Reputation and Continuing RelevanceInitial Success and Enduring InterestResonancesConclusionSuggestions for Further ReadingWorks Cited and ConsultedIndex