Civil society and the "art of association."

Article Abstract:

It is important to consider the relevance of Alexis de Tocqueville's discussion of voluntary associations in 'Democracy in America' for modern politics. A key issue is Tocqueville's emphasis on the danger represented by freedom of political association, or by its misuse. Tocqueville presents an insight into the empirical conditions under which it can be expected that parties or factions will act as sources of appropriate democratic opposition, rather than being revolutionary dangers to the regime. He argues that the social repercussions of egalitarianism necessitate the formation of voluntary associations. He believes that, in modern democratic societies, the principle of self-interest will inevitably determine human action.

Associations, institutions, etc., Associations, Freedom of association

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From the press to the media

Article Abstract:

Alexis de Tocqueville recognized the significance of the press, with two core chapters in 'Democracy in America' being devoted to this issue. Since Tocqueville's time, the concept of press freedom has become established globally. A very significant development in the second half of the 20th century has been a growing awareness that press freedom is important for the long-term maintenance of social and economic development. There is now a need for a new Tocqueville to present a global perspective on the role of the media and of democracy in the 21st century.

Analysis, Freedom of the press, Mass media

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Democracy's triumph, philosophy's peril

Article Abstract:

Alexis de Tocqueville indicates in 'Democracy in America' that very little attention is paid to philosophy in the US. He shows that a civic community's tools for enforcing conformity are spiritual, not physical. It is here particularly that liberal democracy rivals philosophy in philosophy's own domain. In modern society, philosophy claims an authority that is not institutional. It is made rebellious through its view that people's unexamined agreement is not a guarantee of truth. Through this rebellion, philosophy becomes both seditious and deep.

Philosophy

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