The Genteel Tradition in American Philosophy and Character and Opinion in the United States

Abstract

This book brings together two seminal works by George Santayana, one of significant philosophers of twentieth century: Character and Opinion in United States, which stands with Tocqueville's Democracy in as one insightful works of American cultural criticism ever written, and The Genteel Tradition in American Philosophy, a landmark text of both philosophical analysis and cultural criticism. An introduction by James Seaton situates Santayana in intellectual and cultural context of his own time. Four additional essays include John Lachs on ways Santayana's understanding of the soul of America help explain relative peace among nationalities and ethnic groups in United States; Wilfred M. McClay on Santayana's life of mind as it relates to dominant trends in American culture; Roger Kimball on Santayana's most uncommon benefice, common sense; and James Seaton on Santayana's distinction between English liberty and fierce liberty. All essays serve to highlight relevance of Santayana's ideas to current issues in American culture, including education, immigration, and civil rights.