The American founding
Subtitle: its intellectual and moral framework
By: edited by Daniel N. Robinson and Richard N. Williams
Publisher: Continuum
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 159
ISBN-13: 9781441140708; 9781441142443
Subjects: American Philosophy; Founding Fathers of the United States; American National characteristics; Intellectual life
Description: "America's Founding Fathers shared similar beliefs on the nature of civic life and the character of those supposed to be able to self-govern. Although they studied the failed republics of the ancient world, they believed that classical ideals were still applicable to politics. This unique contribution to the literature on American Founding gathers leading thinkers who set out not to relate its history, but its intellectual underpinnings. They explore the Founding Fathers' assumptions about civic life, human nature, political institutions, private morality, aesthetics, education, and history. Chapters on natural law, the Judeo-Christian conception of human nature, the influence of Aristotle and Cicero, the symbolic role of architecture, and the importance of education help understand the foundations that led to the Declaration of Independence and a constitutional charter that aimed to be universal in its human aspirations. This authoritative work provides a conservative response to more liberal interpretations of America. It will enrich the debate on civic life and be a key resource to anyone interested in America's "experiment in ordered liberty.""--Bloomsbury Publishing.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Natural law, God and dignity / Robert George; title: The Jewish and Christian principles of the founders / Michael Novak; title: The classical roots of the American founding / Carl Richard; title: The universal principles of the American founding / Thomas G. West; title: City as teacher / Carroll William Westfall; title: The founders' conception of education for civic life / Daniel N. Robinson; title: Constitutionalism and its presuppositions / Hadley Arkes.