Neo-Republicanism

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2010

Published In

Encyclopedia Of Political Theory

Abstract

Before understanding the contemporary political theories called “neo-republican,” ushered in by the “republican revival” of the late twentieth century, we must consider the earlier republican traditions that inspired them. Republicanism as a political theory stresses the importance of citizen virtue, political participation, a distinctive conception of liberty, and widespread dedication to the common good. But republicanism as a descriptive term has been applied to so many institutions, practices, commitments, and historical periods that it risks confusing casual observers, a concern expressed by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams long before it was voiced by present-day scholars. For the sake of clarity, we may classify republican theories according to the historical traditions from which they derive or according to the principles that distinguish them.

Published By

SAGE

This document is currently not available here.

Find in Tripod

Share

COinS