
Tocqueville’s Defense of Aristocratic Literature
Despite making clear in Democracy in America that the instruction of democracy is “the first duty imposed on those who direct society in our day,” Tocqueville says very little in his work about education in the ordinary sense of the word.
Abstract
Despite making clear in Democracy in America that the instruction of democracy is “the first duty imposed on those who direct society in our day,” Tocqueville says very little in his work about education in the ordinary sense of the word. This essay seeks to make up for this reticence by providing a coherent account of Tocqueville’s understanding of education and its function in democratic times. To that end, I look at Tocqueville’s account of (1) the study of Greek and Latin literature, (2) the ideals of literature in democratic times, (3) Plato’s teaching on the human soul, (4) Plato’s teaching on politics as he presents it in the Laws, and (4) the moral virtues depicted in aristocratic literature. I aim to show why Tocqueville regarded aristocratic literature as a critical source of knowledge for statesmen and men of letters seeking to contribute to the instruction of which he speaks.
This chapter was originally published in Regime and Education: A Study in the History of Political Philosophy
Read the Full Chapter
Download the full text of this chapter at Springer (access required)
Politics
%20(1).webp)
Long Distance Migration as a Two-Step Sorting Process: The Resettlement of Californians in Texas
Here we press the question of whether the well-documented stream of migrants relocating from California to Texas has been sufficient to alter the political complexion of the destination state.
%20(3).webp)
Who's That Knocking? A Study of the Strategic Choices Facing Large-Scale Grassroots Canvassing Efforts
Although there is a consensus that personalized forms of campaign outreach are more likely to be effective at either mobilizing or even persuading voters, there remains uncertainty about how campaigns should implement get-out-the-vote (GOTV) programs, especially at a truly expansive scale.

Trump’s Tariff Gambit: How to Win a Trade War with Mexico and Canada
Trump's tariffs are part of a calculated strategy aimed at achieving specific policy goals.

‘America First’ Can’t Be ‘America Alone'
Trump's 'new golden age' will require the U.S. to build bridges, even as they seek to raise tolls.

Symposium: What Does the Middle East Mean to US?
Elliott Abrams, Jonathan Schanzer, and John Yoo evaluate the changing contours of the Middle East and American strategy.

The Competing Tensions in America's Middle East Policy
The success of President Trump's Middle East policy will depend on whether he can reconcile his competing impulses with the facts on the ground.