The Fragility of Freedom: Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy, and the American Future [Hardcover]

In this fresh interpretation of Tocqueville's thought, Joshua Mitchell explores the dynamic interplay between religion and politics in American democracy.

Focusing onDemocracy in America,The Fragility of Freedomexamines 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 Freedomargues 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 placesDemocracy in Americain the long conversation of Western political and theological thought. —Wilfred M. McClay,First Things

Learned and thought-provoking. —Peter Berkowitz,New Republic

Joshua Mitchellis associate professor of government at Georgetown University. He is the author ofNot by Reason Alone: Religion, History, and Identity in Early Modern Political Thought, also available from the University of Chicago Press.

Preface
Chapter One
Introduction
1. The Augustinian Self
2. Antidotes to the Irrationalities of the Augustinian Self
3. Of the Embodiment and Disembodiment of Thought
4. Circularity of Cause and Effect
5. Of the Spillover Effects of One Sphere upon Another
6. Of Motion and Boundaries
7. Of New Beginnings and American Exceptionalism
Chapter Two
The Augustinian Self
1. Augustine and the Errancy from God
2. Hobbes and the Problem of Pride
3. Rousseau and the Errancy from Nature
4. Tocqueville and the Democratic Soul
5. The Enduring Power of the Augustinianl#(