The Political Tradition of the West : a Study in the Development of Modern Liberalism

Modern liberalism believes in freedom under law and the subordination of government officials to public opinion. These beliefs embody the whole Western political tradition. Totalitarianism is radically opposed to them, and now stands as the only alternative to constitutional democracy. No issue is more important today. To clarify that issue we must have a restatement of the historic development of our tradition and a revaluation of the problems of modern liberalism. Such a restatement and revaluation are the purpose of this book, and Frederick Watkins accomplishes this purpose in what amounts to an intellectual history of liberalism. His lucid, forceful survey will be welcomed by the modern liberal, who is today in a dilemma, and by any reader who wishes to view today’s political conflicts in the light of the traditions from which they spring. Contents Introduction 1. The Origins of Western Legalism 2. The Rise of the Christian Church 3. The Crisis of Secularization 4 The Problem of the General Will 4. The Problem of the General Will 5. The Awakening of the Middle Classes 6. The Emergence of Liberal Constitutionalism 7. The Conservative Reaction 8. The Awakening of the Urban Proletariat 9. The Theory and Practice of Modern Liberalism 10. The Problem of Nationalism 11. The Problem of Dictatorship 12. The Future of Liberalism The analysis of the problems of modern liberalism from a historical viewpoint is the focus of this book. The author approaches this task in what amounts to an intellectual history of liberalism, using the main theorists of history as focal points for his discussion and examining the various experiments, successes, failures, and enemies of the growth of liberal thought. He ends with a survey of the problems to be faced by, and definitions and suggestions for, the modern liberal.