Liberal Democracy and Political Science

By: James W. Ceaser

Write A Review

Paperback | 14 November 1992

At a Glance

Paperback
256 Pages

Age
22+

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.5

Paperback

RRP $74.99

$74.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $18.69 with

or

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

Do political scientists in a liberal democracy bear a special responsibility that goes beyond their academic persuits? In Liberal Democracy and Political Science James W. Ceaser, a well-known scholar or American political parties and the presidency, argues that they do, and he challenges collegues and students to re-examine what they do as political scientists.

Ceaser begins with the observation that liberal democracy is a compound of two elements not easily wed--constitutionalism and republicanism. As such, it has a problem maintaining itself. The role of political science, he argues, is to perform the "superintending function" of keeping these parts together. Ceaser shows how traditional political science--an amalgam of historical sociology, a general political science of regimes, and a specific political science of different countries--once provided a foundation for performing this function. He then describes the failing of contemporary political science, both predictive and what Ceaser call the "new normativism," in this regard. What is needed, Ceaser argues, is a reconstruction of political science that borrows freely from both past and present-day practice.

Ceaser concludes with a case study that puts his theory to work--and analysis of the susceptibility of our political culture to the influence of intellectuals and to contemporary critics of the Constitution.

Industry Reviews

""An illuminating and forceful defense of Tocquevillian or traditional political science against its two contenders within the profession, a scientific political science increasingly equated with rational choice theory and an activist moralistic political science, which Ceaser terms the 'new normativism.'.""

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.