Abstract
This article argues that Tocqueville considered pantheism as the theoretical foundation of two types of democratic despotism: the omnipotence of “the majority” as an intellectual effect of pantheism, and administrative centralization as a political effect, such as that found in Saint-Simonianism. Focusing on Tocqueville’s critical views against the thirst for “pan” or the passion for unity in postrevolutionary French publications, this article sheds new light on Tocqueville’s theory of democratic despotism, which became a more passionate, even religious idea in the second volume of Democracy in America. Contrasting Tocqueville’s discussion of pantheism with the analyses of certain Catholic thinkers, it also argues that Tocqueville defended a form of individualism against pantheism’s threat to individual liberties.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.