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Tocqueville on the doctrine of interest

Article Abstract:

Alexis de Tocqueville's doctrine of interest rightly understood is one of two ways which Americans used to combat individualism, which Tocqueville defines as an apathetic state where no love or hate exists. Although it is easy to understand how the first, free institutions, combat individualism, some theorists have misunderstood Tocqueville's doctrine of interest rightly understood. According to Tocqueville, the enhanced love for democracy brought about by the doctrine of interest combats individualism.

Analysis, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Tocqueville, Alexis de

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Democracy and competing values

Article Abstract:

Democracy as practiced by actual governments is never absolute democracy, and the key for such societies is to determine what trade-offs do the least damage to democratic principles and promote values consistent with democracy. The constraints on democracy can be of four types: moral, pragmatic, systematic and natural. Conditions necessary to transition to democracy, religious values and constitutional principles are among the constraints that might be placed on democracy.

Models, Ethical aspects, Representative government and representation, Representative government

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