The Fragility of Freedom: Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy, and the American Future - Paperback

by Joshua Mitchell (Author)

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

Focusing on Democracy in America, The Fragility of Freedom examines 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 Freedom argues 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 places Democracy in America in the long conversation of Western political and theological thought."-Wilfred M. McClay, First Things

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

Author Biography

Joshua Mitchell is associate professor of government at Georgetown University. He is the author of Not by Reason Alone: Religion, History, and Identity in Early Modern Political Thought, also available from the University of Chicago Press.