Philosophy, The Federalist, and the Constitution [Paperback]

Here, Morton White presents the first synoptic view of the major philosophical ideas inThe Federalist. Using the tools of philosophy and intellectual history, White extracts and examines the interlocking theory of knowledge, doctrine of normative ethics, psychology of motivation, and even metaphysics and theology, all of which were used in different degrees by the founding fathers in defense of the Constitution.

Exhibits a strong intellect at work on an important task: to determine the grounding, in terms of technical philosophy, ofThe Federalist. It is a formidable achievement of rich scholarship that is probably definitive. --American Historical Review

[An] excellent book that offers a sophisticated presentation of the philosophy contained inThe Federalist....All serious students of the early republic will find White's book another valuable, clearly written, illuminating contribution to understanding our past. --American Political ScienceReview

We have waited two hundred years for someone to organize and clarify the philosophical ideas behindThe Federalist Papers. Morton White's brilliant and illuminating reexamination of our greatest political treatise is ideal reading for the bicentennial year of the Constitution. --Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

White has provided lawyers, historians, and political theorists with a valuable resource with which to appreciate the full range of Publius' wisdom. --Harvard Law Review

Thoroughly researched and carefully argued, this is an important book. --Library Journal

[White] fashions a philosophical analysis that is both substantial and convincing. --William and Mary Quarterly