Items related to First Democracy: The Challenge of an Ancient Idea

First Democracy: The Challenge of an Ancient Idea - Softcover

Woodruff, Paul

  • 3.72 out of 5 stars
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9780195304541: First Democracy: The Challenge of an Ancient Idea
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0195304543 ISBN 13: 9780195304541
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

Americans have an unwavering faith in democracy and are ever eager to import it to nations around the world. But how democratic is our own "democracy"? If you can vote, if the majority rules, if you have elected representatives--does this automatically mean that you have a democracy? In this eye-opening look at an ideal that we all take for granted, classical scholar Paul Woodruff offers some surprising answers to these questions.
Drawing on classical literature, philosophy, and history--with many intriguing passages from Sophocles, Aesop, and Plato, among others--Woodruff immerses us in the world of ancient Athens to uncover how the democratic impulse first came to life. The heart of the book isolates seven conditions that are the sine qua non of democracy: freedom from tyranny , harmony, the rule of law, natural equality, citizen wisdom, reasoning without knowledge, and general education. He concludes that a true democracy must be willing to invite everyone to join in government. It must respect the rule of law so strongly that even the government is not above the law. True democracy must be mature enough to accept changes that come from the people. And it must be willing to pay the price of education for thoughtful citizenship. If we learn anything from the story of Athens, Woodruff concludes, it should be this--never lose sight of the ideals of democracy. This compact, eloquent book illuminates these ideals and lights the way as we struggle to keep democracy alive at home and around the world.

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About the Author

Paul Woodruff is Darrel K. Royal Professor in Ethics and American Society and Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Philosophy, The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of the popular book Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue.

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Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publication date
2006
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0195304543
ISBN 13 
9780195304541
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
304
Rating
  • 3.72 out of 5 stars
    214 ratings by Goodreads