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OverviewAmericans have an unwavering faith in democracy and are ever eager to import it to nations around the world. But how democratic is our own democracy ? If you can vote, if the majority rules, if you have elected representatives - does this automatically mean that you have a democracy? In this eye-opening look at an ideal that we all take for granted, classical scholar Paul Woodruff offers some surprising answers to these questions. Drawing on classical literature, philosophy, and history - with many intriguing passages from Sophocles, Aesop, and Plato, among others - Woodruff immerses us in the world of ancient Athens to uncover how the democratic impulse first came to life. The heart of the book isolates seven conditions that are the sine qua non of democracy: freedom from tyranny (including the tyranny of majority rule), harmony (the blending of different views), the rule of law, natural equality, citizen wisdom, reasoning without knowledge, and general education. He concludes that a true democracy must be willing to invite everyone to join in government. It must respect the rule of law so strongly that even the government is not above the law.; True democracy must be mature enough to accept changes that come from the people. And it must be willing to pay the price of education for thoughtful citizenship. Ancient Athens didn't always live up to these ideals. Nor does modern America. If we learn anything from the story of Athens, Woodruff concludes, it should be this - never lose sight of the ideals of democracy. This compact, eloquent book illuminates these ideals and lights the way as we struggle to keep democracy alive at home and around the world. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Paul Woodruff (University of Texas University of Texas, Austin University of Texas, Austin University of Texas, Austin)Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Imprint: Oxford University Press, USA ISBN: 9781280846427ISBN 10: 1280846429 Pages: 304 Publication Date: 01 January 2005 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Electronic book text Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In stock We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationTab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |