Alexis de Tocqueville

Veinte años después de "La democracia en América", un clásico del pensamiento político publicado también en esta colección, Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) dio a la prensa "El Antiguo Régimen y la Revolucion" (1856), obra que combina la investigacion historica con la sociologia comparada. El predominio del poder real, el crecimiento economico, la centralizacion administrativa, el ascenso de la burguesia y la decadencia de la aristocracia pusieron en marcha, a lo largo del siglo XVIII, un proceso irreversible que desembocaria en la transformacion revolucionaria de 1789. Ahora bien, pese a la cesura que significo la subversion del orden establecido, algunas tendencias iniciadas bajo el Antiguo Regimen y los elementos de continuidad historica, especialmente el fortalecimiento del Estado, siguieron actuando en el periodo posterior, de tal suerte (escribe Tocqueville) que para comprender bien la Revolucion era preciso olvidar por un momento la Francia de nuestros dias e ir a interrogar en su tumba a la Francia que ya no existe. La presente edicion se basa en la cuarta edicion francesa, de 1858.Veinte años después de "La democracia en América", un clásico del pensamiento político publicado también en esta colección, Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) dio a la prensa "El Antiguo Régimen y la Revolucion" (1856), obra que combina la investigacion historica con la sociologia comparada. El predominio del poder real, el crecimiento economico, la centralizacion administrativa, el ascenso de la burguesia y la decadencia de la aristocracia pusieron en marcha, a lo largo del siglo XVIII, un proceso irreversible que desembocaria en la transformacion revolucionaria de 1789. Ahora bien, pese a la cesura que significo la subversion del orden establecido, algunas tendencias iniciadas bajo el Antiguo Regimen y los elementos de continuidad historica, especialmente el fortalecimiento del Estado, siguieron actuando en el periodo posterior, de tal suerte (escribe Tocqueville) que para comprender bien la Revolucion era preciso olvidar por un momento la Francia de nuestros dias e ir a interrogar en su tumba a la Francia que ya no existe. La presente edicion se basa en la cuarta edicion francesa, de 1858.

Presentamos en este volumen, de manera independiente, la parte cuarta y última de la obra magna de Tocqueville, 'La democracia en América', uno de los textos fundamentales de la teoría política. En esta parte final, prologada aqui por Raymond Aron, Tocqueville nos ofrece las conclusiones de su estudio y formula su celebre concepcion del despotismo democratico, aquel que amenaza a nuestras sociedades contemporaneas, caracterizadas por la tension entre la libertad y la igualdad.

De los viajes de Alex de Tocqueville a través de los EE. UU. En la década de 1830 surgió un estudio perspicaz de una joven democracia y sus instituciones. Esta edición de 2 volúmenes presenta el texto original de Tocqueville. Notas al pie, bibliografia.

Democracy in America Alexis de Tocqueville - Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-59) came to America in 1831 to see what a great republic was like. What struck him most was the countrys equality of conditions, its democracy. The book he wrote on his return to France, Democracy in America, is both the best ever written on democracy and the best ever written on America. It remains the most often quoted book about the United States, not only because it has something to interest and please everyone, but also because it has something to teach everyone.When it was published in 2000, Harvey Mansfield and Delba Winthrops new translation of Democracy in Americaonly the third since the original two-volume work was published in 1835 and 1840was lauded in all quarters as the finest and most definitive edition of Tocquevilles classic thus far. Mansfield and Winthrop have restored the nuances of Tocquevilles language, with the expressed goal "to convey Tocquevilles thought as he held it rather than to restate it in comparable terms of today." The result is a translation with minimal interpretation, but with impeccable annotations of unfamiliar references and a masterful introduction placing the work and its author in the broader contexts of political philosophy and statesmanship.

In "The State of Society in France Before the Revolution of 1789," Alexis de Tocqueville meticulously analyzes the intricate social fabric and political dynamics that shaped France on the brink of the revolutionary upheaval. Employing a keen sociological lens, Tocqueville examines the intersections of class, culture, and political structures, revealing how the discontent among the populace foreshadowed the imminent revolution. His literary style is characterized by a rich, analytical prose that invites readers to delve deeper into the social complexities of pre-revolutionary France, while situating his observations within broader Enlightenment discourse on democracy and equality. Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat and political thinker, possessed a unique vantage point that informed his perspective on society and governance. His travels in America and keen interest in democratic principles influenced his understanding of societal change, prompting him to investigate the undercurrents of French social life preceding the revolution. Tocquevilles background facilitated his exploration of class disparities and enlightenment ideals, which would later become essential to his later works. This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the nuanced societal conditions that precipitated one of historys most significant upheavals. Tocquevilles insights remain relevant today, offering a profound examination of the balance between societal equity and political stability.

The Americans live in a democratic state of society, which has naturally suggested to them certain laws and a certain political character. This same state of society has, moreover, engendered amongst them a multitude of feelings and opinions which were unknown amongst the elder aristocratic communities of Europe: it has destroyed or modified all the relations which before existed, and established others of a novel kind. Theaspect of civil society has been no less affected by these changes than that of the political world. The former subject has been treated of in the work on the Democracy of America, which I published five years ago; to examine the latter is the object of the present book; but these two parts complete each other, and form one and the same work.

"Un pueblo antiguo, el primero y legítimo dueño del continente americano, se deshace día a día como la nieve bajo los rayos del sol y, a la vista de todos, desaparece de la faz de la tierra. En sus propias tierras, y usurpando su lugar, otra raza se desarrolla con rapidez aun mayor; arrasa los bosques y seca los pantanos; lagos grandes como mares y rios inmensos se oponen vanamente a su marcha triunfal."Tocqueville relata en estas paginas el viaje que emprendio, en julio de 1831, desde Detroit hasta Saginaw, junto con su amigo Gustave de Beaumont. Bosques arrasados, desiertos que se convierten en ciudades, pueblos aborigenes perseguidos: en America nada sera igual despues de la llegada del hombre blanco.

Amongst the novel objects that attracted my attention during my stay in the United States, nothing struck me more forcibly than the general equality of conditions. I readily discovered the prodigious influence which this primary fact exercises on the whole course of society, by giving a certain direction to public opinion, and a certain tenor to the laws; by imparting new maxims to the governing powers, and peculiar habits to the governed. I speedily perceived that the influence of this fact extends far beyond the political character and the laws of the country, and that it has no less empire over civil society than over the Government; it creates opinions, engenders sentiments, suggests the ordinary practices of life, and modifies whatever it does not produce. The more I advanced in the study of American society, the more I perceived that the equality of conditions is the fundamental fact from which all others seem to be derived, and the central point at which all my observations constantly terminated.

Ensayo que ha influido en el pensamiento pensamiento constitucional y político, principalmente en el de América. Dos son los temas de gran interés de esta obra: las instituciones norteamericanas como expresion de las costumbres y, en general, el estilo de vida de los Estados Unidos y los principios en que se basa un Estado democratico.

Los Estados Unidos que visitan Alexis de Tocqueville y su amigo Gustave de Beaumont en 1831 son un territorio que lucha por hacerse un espacio propio frente a las dos grandes potencias de la época, Francia y Gran Bretaña, que tienen intereses. En aquel momento, con una poblacion de poco mas de 13 millones de habitantes, pero con un fuerte crecimiento demografico, estaba formado solo por 24 estados y era un pais predominantemente rural, y en continua extension hacia las costas del oceano Pacifico. La obra de Tocqueville se puede resumir diciendo que es un estudio del poder. Su capacidad para observar y resumir, lo que el es, por encima de todo, concuerda con lo que podriamos calificar de hombre politico en su vertiente de accion y praxis social. Y de publicista. Haber sido el continuador logico de Montesquieu ya le marca un cierto camino.

In "American Institutions and Their Influence," Alexis de Tocqueville provides a comprehensive analysis of American democracy and its social institutions in the mid-19th century. Through a nuanced exploration of political, religious, and familial structures, Tocqueville employs a distinctive literary style that combines sociological observation with philosophical inquiry. His keen observations are contextualized within the larger framework of European thought, reflecting the tension between liberty and equalitya theme that resonates throughout his work. By juxtaposing the American democratic experiment with older Western forms of governance, Tocqueville articulates the strengths and vulnerabilities inherent in democratic societies. Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat and political thinker, was deeply influenced by the political landscape of his own country and the political turbulence in Europe. His travels in America, motivated by a desire to understand the rise of democracy, provided him with firsthand insights that shaped his perspective on governance and society. Tocquevilles upbringing and academic pursuits in law and political science undeniably equipped him with the analytical tools required to dissect complex social phenomena. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of American democracy and its implications for modern governance. Tocquevilles incisive observations continue to resonate today, making it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the interplay between institutions and individual liberties.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

In "The State of Society in France Before the Revolution of 1789," Alexis de Tocqueville meticulously examines the social, political, and economic conditions in France leading up to the cataclysmic Revolution. Employing a blend of historical analysis and sociological insight, Tocqueville navigates the complexities of French society, articulating the interplay between aristocracy, bourgeoisie, and the nascent proletariat. His literary style is characterized by keen observation and persuasive rhetoric, capturing the contradictions and tensions that ultimately culminated in revolutionary fervor, all framed within the broader context of Enlightenment thought and pre-revolutionary discontent. Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, was deeply influenced by the tumultuous social climate of his time, as well as by his own experiences in American democracy. His works often reflect a preoccupation with liberty, equality, and the role of institutions in shaping society. Understanding the factors leading to the French Revolution was not only a matter of historical urgency for Tocqueville but also a means to critique contemporary political structures and inform future governance. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the prelude to one of historys most significant social upheavals. Tocquevilles balanced and incisive perspective sheds light on the complexities of revolution and the critical role of societal structures, making it a worthwhile study for historians, political scientists, and general readers alike.

En el célebre viaje a los Estados Unidos que sirvió de inspiración a su libro más conocido, La democracia en América, Tocqueville descubrió la importancia de la religión en una sociedad democrática. La Revolucion Francesa, que trataba de sustituir las formas religiosas por formas seculares e ideologicas, le parecia un remiedio peor que la enfermedad. Desde entonces, Tocqueville no cesara de interesarse por los vinculos que unen los destinos de los pueblos, tanto sociales y politicos como religiosos. Continua estudiando y comparando las religiones en relacion con las sociedades en las que se desarrollan. Por este enfoque decididamente sociologico de la religion Tocqueville es tambien radicalmente moderno. Los textos sobre el islam, el hinduismo y el cristianismo que Jean-Louis Benoit recoge y comenta en la presente edicion no habian sido reunidos ahora y eran poco accesibles. El lector quedara gratamente sorprendido por su originalidad y su agudeza, pero sobre todo por su sorprendente actualidad.

Quince días en las soledades americanas se inscribe dentro de una tradición denarrativa de viajes inaugurada con la independencia de Estados Unidos. Losvisitantes europeos atravesaban el océano para describir de primera mano elgran experimento social ...