The American Founding: Its Intellectual and Moral Framework - Hardcover

Richard N. Williams; Daniel N. Robinson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1441140700 ISBN 13: 9781441140708

Publisher: Continuum, 2012

Synopsis

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.'

About this title

About the Author

Richard N. Williams is Associate Academic Vice President and Wheatley Institution Director at Brigham Young University, USA. He has been a visiting faculty member at Duquesne University and at Georgetown University, USA and is the author of numerous books and journal articles.

Daniel N. Robinson is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, UK, and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Georgetown University, USA.

Edition details

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1441140700
• ISBN 13: 9781441140708
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192
• Editor: Richard N. Williams, Daniel N. Robinson