Politics of Liberty: Essays on Montesquieu

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Politics of Liberty: Essays on Montesquieu brings together a series of essays that shine new light on the meaning, conditions, and effects of freedom. Montesquieus work embodies in a wholehearted way the liberal commitment to protection of all people from arbitrary power, and it offers specific recommendations for how to establish this protection. Yet his politics of liberty is a highly variegated phenomenon, meaning politics in the plural not one form of political order or singular system, but many. And while freedom is the end or purpose of the politics of liberty, Montesquieus understanding of freedom is more nuanced than that of many other liberals, allowing for a richer moral psychology, a deeper sociality, and deeper respect for cultural diversity than one might expect. In all these ways, Montesquieus work challenges the conviction, present in much of democratic theory today, that liberalism is a thing of the past, and should be left there. Politics of Liberty returns us to Montesquieus mindful liberalism for the purpose of showing liberalisms past in a new light, illuminating its value in the present, and making a case for its future.

Reviews

"Krause's essays on Montesquieu, the immensely important thinker of the Enlightenment, reenforces her status as one of his most perceptive and compelling interpreters. Just as Montesquieu's thought is timeless, so too are Professor Krause's interpretations. These essays revisit Montesquieu's case for a moderate liberalism that foregrounds the impersonal rule of law and the ways that both institutions and historically embedded standards can hamper the dangerous accretion of arbitrary power in politics. Thus, Krause's work serves as an antidote for our disordered and polarized times." --Vickie B. Sullivan, Cornelia M. Jackson Professor, Department of Political Science, Tufts University, USA

"Sharon Krause's incisive essays argue, courageously, that a comprehensive and subtle philosophy from 300 years ago offers salient insights for 21st century discourse on justice. Politics of Liberty: Essays on Montesquieu shows readers that much theorizing today, from left and right, grasps neither the causes of nor remedies for the current polarization and perhaps disintegration of our liberal democracies. We would do better to rediscover the moderate Enlightenment philosophy of Montesquieu and his emphases on human liberty, constitutionalism, and pluralism as the best path for a sustainable civic equality. These close readings of Montesquieu grapple with the complexities of his philosophy, then compare their insights with more recent discourse - all to discern truths about human nature and the requirements of a decent, honorable liberalism. This is a boon both to political philosophy and to liberal-constitutional renewal." --Paul Carrese, Arizona State University, author of Democracy in Moderation: Montesquieu, Tocqueville, and Sustainable Liberalism, USA

"One could not hope for a better guide to Montesquieu's liberal inclinations than this collection of Sharon Krause's essays. Her consistent focus on Montesquieu's conviction that liberty must be the pre-eminent political goal, regardless of regime type, will be welcomed by all those who believe liberalism has not failed and are committed to reviving its principles." --David W. Carrithers, Adolph Ochs Professor Emeritus of Government, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, USA

"Politics of Liberty: Essays on Montesquieu is a masterful exploration of the core themes in The Spirit of the Laws, presenting complex ideas with clarity and precision. Krause's book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand Montesquieu's enduring vision of liberty and its relevance to modern political thought." --Cline Spector, Sorbonne University, France

Author Bio

Sharon R. Krause is the William R. Kenan, Jr. University Professor of Political Science at Brown University.