Ferguson An Essay on the History of Civil Society [Paperback]

A subtle critique of declining communal virtues, arguing instead for active citizenship.Drawing on such diverse sources as classical authors and contemporary travel literature, this text combines a subtle analysis of modern commercial society with a critique of its abandonment of civic and communal virtues. Central themes are conflict, play, political participation and military valor.Drawing on such diverse sources as classical authors and contemporary travel literature, this text combines a subtle analysis of modern commercial society with a critique of its abandonment of civic and communal virtues. Central themes are conflict, play, political participation and military valor.Adam Ferguson's Essay on the History of Civil Society (first published in 1767) is a classic of the Scottish--and European--Enlightenment. Drawing on such diverse sources as classical authors and contemporary travel literature, Ferguson combines a subtle analysis of modern commercial society with a critique of its abandonment of civic and communal virtues. Central themes in Ferguson's theory of citizenship are conflict, play, political participation and military valor. The Essay is a bold and novel attempt to reclaim the tradition of active citizenship in the modern state.1. Of the general characteristics of human nature; 2. Of the history of rude nations; 3. Of the history of policy and arts; 4. Of the consequences that result from advancement of civil and commercial arts; 5. Of the decline of nations; 6. Of corruption and political slavery.