An Imperfect Fit

The defining characteristic of modern liberal democrats has been their belief that man is 'fundamentally good' and that the goodness of his nature will come to the surface once he is freed from oppression and want and his actions are guided by 'free choice'. This belief can now be put to the test in the advanced democracies of the West which have essentially satisfied these conditions thus providing man with an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the fundamental goodness of...
More Description

The defining characteristic of modern liberal democrats has been their belief that man is 'fundamentally good' and that the goodness of his nature will come to the surface once he is freed from oppression and want and his actions are guided by 'free choice'. This belief can now be put to the test in the advanced democracies of the West which have essentially satisfied these conditions thus providing man with an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the fundamental goodness of human nature in practice.

In An Imperfect Fit the author offers a picture of its manifestations and it is not too bright. It shows their growing divergence from the cherished belief in all three dimensions of democracy - liberty, equality, and fraternity. But it also shows a stubborn refusal of democratic establishments to face this reality and their ever greater determination to make the dream come true by forcing the 'fundamental goodness' on man's nature from above by 'perfecting' the system. In this the author sees the greatest danger facing democracy today - 'outdemocratizing' itself into self-destruction.

Customers from European countries can reduce shipping cost and delivery time by ordering the book from Trafford's UK office by phone (01270 251396), fax (01270 254983), or email (info.uk@trafford.com). Orders placed online by European customers will automatically go through the UK office.