Democracy and Its Critics
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Book Overview
In this prize-winning book, one of the most prominent political theorists of our time makes a major statement about what democracy is and why it is important. Robert Dahl examines the most basic assumptions of democratic theory, tests them against the questions raised by its critics, and recasts the theory of democracy into a new and coherent whole. He concludes by discussing the directions in which democracy must move if advanced democratic states are to exist in the future. "When Robert Dahl speaks about democracy, everyone should listen. With Democracy and Its Critics Dahl has produced a work destined to become another classic."--Lucian W. Pye, American Political Science Review "In this magisterial work Dahl]... describe s] what democracy means...; why our own democracy is still deeply flawed; and how we could reform it.... A work of extraordinary intelligence and, what is even rarer, a work of extraordinary wisdom."--Robert N. Bellah, New York Times Book Review Robert A. Dahl , Sterling Professor of Political Science Emeritus at Yale Universtiy, is also the author of Who Governs?, After the Revolution?, Polyarchy, and Dilemmas of Pluralist Democracy, all available from Yale University Press.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0300049382
ISBN13:9780300049381
Release Date:July 1991
Publisher:Yale University Press
Length:397 Pages
Weight:1.44 lbs.
Dimensions:1.2" x 6.4" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
A very good book on democratic theory
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is an excelent book on political theory and also one of the best defenses of democracy as a political system I have ever read. Specially good it its chapter on "guardinship", contradicting the most common arguments in favor of different "tutors" of the people.
Fine update on themes introduced in Polyarchy
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
This is a highly readable summary of Dahl's earlier work. Non-academics will find his use of dialogue easily accessible. Perhaps it's greatest success is the way that it thoughtfully approaches the basic premises of democracy, foundational principles all too-often glossed over in democratic literature.
Dahl is great
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
Dahl created a bunch of dialogues that clearly illustrate specific problems with anarchism and elitism. Then, he discussed democracy and his hopes for the future. He's a fine writer and thinker who deserves more attention from non-academics.
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