In the fifth conversation in our series with Harvey Mansfield, a discussion of the French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville. Click "Show more" to view all chapters. For more conversations, visit www.conversationswithbillkrist...
Chapter 1 (00:15 - 20:08): Thinking about Democracy
Chapter 2 (20:08 - 33:12): Individualism and Associations
Chapter 3 (33:12 - 43:46): Who was Tocqueville?
Chapter 4 (43:46 - 1:12:24): Liberalism with a Soul
The fifth conversation in our ongoing series with the distinguished Harvard government professor considers the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-59). Mansfield and Kristol discuss key themes in Tocqueville’s work, including the nature of democracy and his views of America. They also consider Tocqueville's views as to why individualism is a danger to democracy, how associations counteract individualism, and how religion and liberty reinforce one another in our times. Mansfield also describes Tocqueville’s own life and political career, and how his thought differs from that of other modern thinkers such as J.S. Mill, Edmund Burke, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes.
Be sure to check out the FCG page on Tocqueville at "Great Thinkers," thegreatthinkers.org/tocqueville