Community and Tradition: Conservative Perspectives on the American Experience

Communitarianism is currently the subject of much interest and scrutiny by both liberals and conservatives. In Community and Tradition, eight distinguished scholars articulate the clearest statement to date of the conservative vision of community. In contrast to the progressive model of community, which emphasizes secular civil theologies, government, participatory democracy, and utilitarian moralities, the contributors to this volume identify and locate the roots of friendship and common purpose in tradition, intermediate associations, local autonomy, and religious belief. Not only do the contributors renew and refine the conservative understanding of community, but they also express their belief that the liberal version of community needs to be challenged. This volume is essential reading for all political theorists who study the balance between rights and responsibilities within the context of the community.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Contemporary Communitarianism, the Lure of the State, and the Modern Quest for Community Chapter 3 American Community Chapter 4 The Constitution and Community Chapter 5 Mr. Emerson's Tombstone Chapter 6 Charles Taylor on Multiculturalism and the Politics of Recognition Chapter 7 On the Extent of Community: Civil Society, Civil Religion, and the State Chapter 8 Is William Galston Really a Liberal? Chapter 9 Commitment and Obligation Chapter 10 Notes Chapter 11 Index

About the Author :
George W. Carey is professor of government at Georgetown University and editor of The Political Science Reviewer. Bruce Frohnen teaches political science at Catholic University of America, and is the author of The New Communitarians and the Crisis of Modern Liberalism and Virtue and The Promise of Conservatism: The Legacy of Burke and Tocqueville.

Review :
This is a valuable and timely book. While a collaboration by eight writers, the volume holds together in both theme and style. The editors. . . . have asked the right questions. . . . The answers provided give splended insights into modern political theory and cut to the heart of our current national discontents. This work is a cut far above the typical academic anthology. It can be read as a single book, and anyone choosing to do so will be richly rewarded. Valuable contribution to the sometimes stale contemporary literature on liberalism and community. Community and Tradition impressively shows the conflicted character of communitarian theory.