Athenian Political Thought and the Reconstitution of American Democracy - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801481791 ISBN 13: 9780801481796

Publisher: Cornell University Press, 1994

Synopsis

In the contemporary United States the image and experience of Athenian democracy has been appropriated to justify a profoundly conservative political and educational agenda. Such is the conviction expressed in this provocative book, which is certain to arouse widespread comment and discussion.

What does it mean to be a citizen in a democracy? Indeed, how do we educate for democracy? These questions are addressed here by thirteen historians, classicists, and political theorists, who critically examine ancient Greek history and institutions, texts, and ideas in light of today's political practices and values. They do not idealize ancient Greek democracy. Rather, they use it, with all its faults, as a basis for measuring the strengths and shortcomings of American democracy. In the hands of the authors, ancient Greek sources become partners in an educational dialogue about democracy's past, one that goads us to think about the limitations of democracy's present and to imagine enriched possibilities for its future.

The authors are diverse in their opinions and in their political and moral commitments. But they share the view that insulating American democracy from radical criticism encourages a dangerous complacency that Athenian political thought can disrupt.

About this title

About the Author

J. Peter Euben is Professor of Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. John R. Wallach is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Hunter College. Josiah Ober is Professor of Ancient History at Princeton University.

From Library Journal

Over the years, many have perceived the democracy of ancient Athens as the political model for the United States-a perspective often advanced without a great deal of critical insight or reflection. This impressive collection of scholarly essays carefully examines the nature of the Athenian polis and pursues such perennial issues as the citizen's role and the nature of education in a democracy. The degree to which and the manner in which Athenian political thought and practice can inform our understanding of our own political system remains open to debate. However, the nexus between education and democracy is a crucial one, and this finely crafted work challenges the serious reader to confront the current condition of and future prospects for the American polity. Recommended especially for scholars in the field and graduate libraries.
Stephen Shaw, Northwest Nazarene Coll., Nampa, Id.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0801481791
• ISBN 13: 9780801481796
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 360
• Editor: Euben J. Peter, Wallach John R., Ober Josiah