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Don de Madame von Schumann

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Philosophy --- Political philosophy. Social philosophy --- Politics --- philosophy --- politics --- filosofie --- politiek

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"Analyzes the causes for the precipitate decline of liberal democracy and the alarming rise of totalitarianism that have occurred in [the 20th] century. The source of the trouble, Mr. Lippmann argues, lies first of all in the fact that mass public opinion and legislations subject to popular pressures have come to exercise a dominant and dangerous influence over the executive functions of government. The result has been that the modern democracies have grown steadily more incapable of ruling wisely in times of war and peace. The second root of the trouble, Mr. Lippmann thinks, lies in the failure of the Western democracies to defend and maintain the political faith, or 'public philosophy,' which formed the basis of the convictions of the Founding Fathers when they established the Constitution, and which, in general, underlies the liberal way of life. Without such a generally accepted public philosophy, the enjoyment of private property becomes an end in itself, land is destructively exploited and wealth ruthlessly accumulated, freedom of speech degenerates into freedom of abuse, and the whole process of democratic government is found mentally vitiated. The author believes that unless the constraints of this public philosophy are restored to their place of honor, and unless an effort is made to stem the mounting tide of agnosticism and godlessness in Western society, it will be the end of democracy as we have known it. He believes that such a disaster can be avoided, if we realize the gravity and rise to the challenge of our present situation. The publishers consider this the most urgent book that Mr. Lippmann has yet written."--Dust jacket.

Political science. --- Philosophy.

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The first part of the book 'the decline of the West' the author analyses critically the Western democracies. He believes that only a strong and centralized government can safeguard democracy. In the second part a philosophy of society is developed.