Passions and constraint : on the theory of liberal democracy

Bibliographic Information

Passions and constraint : on the theory of liberal democracy

Stephen Holmes

University of Chicago Press, 1995

  • : pbk

Other Title

Passions & constraint

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 275-322) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Volume

ISBN 9780226349688

Description

A collection of essays on the core values of liberalism which challenges assumptions about liberal theory. By placing it into its original historical context, this text presents an interconnected argument meant to fundamentally change the conception of liberalism. According to Holmes, three elements of classical liberal theory are commonly used to attack contemporary liberalism as antagonistic to genuine democracy and the welfare state: constitutional constraints on majority rule; the identification of individual freedom with an absence of government involvement; and a strong emphasis on the principle of self-interest. Holmes argues that the aspirations of liberal democracy - including individual liberty, the equal dignity of citizens, and a tolerance for diversity - are best understood in relation to two central themes of classical liberal theory: the psychological motivations of individuals and the necessary constraint on individual passions provided by institutions. By restricting the arbitrary powers of government officials, Holmes states, a liberal constitution can increase the state's capacity to focus on specific problems and mobilize collective resources for common purposes.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1: The Liberal Idea 2: The Secret History of Self-Interest 3: Hobbes's Irrational Man 4: The Constitution of Sovereignty in Jean Bodin 5: Precommitment and the Paradox of Democracy 6: The Positive Constitutionalism of John Stuart Mill 7: Gag Rules or the Politics of Omission 8: Welfare and the Liberal Conscience Conclusion Notes Index
Volume

: pbk ISBN 9780226349695

Description

A collection of essays on the core values of liberalism which challenges assumptions about liberal theory. By placing it into its original historical context, this text presents an interconnected argument meant to fundamentally change the conception of liberalism. According to Holmes, three elements of classical liberal theory are commonly used to attack contemporary liberalism as antagonistic to genuine democracy and the welfare state: constitutional constraints on majority rule; the identification of individual freedom with an absence of government involvement; and a strong emphasis on the principle of self-interest. Holmes argues that the aspirations of liberal democracy - including individual liberty, the equal dignity of citizens, and a tolerance for diversity - are best understood in relation to two central themes of classical liberal theory: the psychological motivations of individuals and the necessary constraint on individual passions provided by institutions. By restricting the arbitrary powers of government officials, Holmes states, a liberal constitution can increase the state's capacity to focus on specific problems and mobilize collective resources for common purposes.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA25093617
  • ISBN
    • 0226349683
    • 0226349691
  • LCCN
    94033748
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Chicago
  • Pages/Volumes
    xiii, 337 p.
  • Size
    24 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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