French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day - Softcover

Geenens, Raf

Softcover

ISBN 10: 110751553X ISBN 13: 9781107515536

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2015

Synopsis

There is an enduring assumption that the French have never been and will never be liberal. As with all clichés, this contains a grain of truth, but it also overlooks an important school of thought that has been a constant presence in French intellectual and political culture for nearly three centuries: French political liberalism. In this collaborative volume, a distinguished group of philosophers, political theorists and intellectual historians uncover this unjustly neglected tradition. The chapters examine the nature and distinctiveness of French liberalism, providing a comprehensive treatment of major themes including French liberalism's relationship with republicanism, Protestantism, utilitarianism and the human rights tradition. Individual chapters are devoted to Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Aron, Lefort and Gauchet, as well as to some lesser known, yet important thinkers, including several political economists and French-style 'neoliberals'. French Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day is essential reading for all those interested in the history of political thought.

About this title

Review:

'The excellent job done by the collection's translator, Michael Breslin, should also be applauded.' European Review of History

Book Description:

France is often thought of as a country of revolutions and extremes - as a country lacking a liberal tradition. In this volume, a distinguished group of philosophers, political theorists and intellectual historians prove this assumption to be false, uncovering the richness and distinctiveness of French political liberalism.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 110751553X
• ISBN 13: 9781107515536
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 332