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Walter Lippmann: The Prophet of Liberalism and the Road not Taken

Walter Lippmann: The Prophet of Liberalism and the Road not Taken
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Year:    2019

Author:    Schliesser, Eric

Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch, Vol. 139 (2019), Iss. 2-4 : pp. 349–364

Abstract

This article shows how in The Good Society Walter Lippmann argues that the very idea of a liberalism worth having is a spiritual project: it involves a spiritual transformation over extended historical time even if the true destination is unknown or uncertain. Along the way, I argue that Lippmann is also acutely aware of the dangers of theorizing that merely affirms an imperfect (or worse) status quo. He is, thus, attractive for those who wish to revive liberalism. In addition, Lippmann’s sensitivity to the role of power and technological change generates a potentially important philosophy of law. This article sketches his understanding of a liberalism that embraces a “spirit of adaptation” without too much deference to a status quo. The second part shows that despite his sensitivity to the risks of demagogues in politics, Lippmann did not turn away from democratic politics. In particular, he has an attractive conception of the vital nature of a pluralist politics inherent to liberalism. Along the way the key limitation of Lippmann’s political philosophy is diagnosed: his depoliticized, juridical conception of political representation and legislation.

Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.3790/schm.139.2-4.349

Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch, Vol. 139 (2019), Iss. 2-4 : pp. 349–364

Published online:    2019-04

AMS Subject Headings:    Duncker & Humblot

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    15

Keywords:    B12 B31 D72 P14 P16

Author Details

Schliesser, Eric

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Section Title Page Action Price
Eric Schliesser: Walter Lippmann: The Prophet of Liberalism and the Road not Taken 1
Abstract 1
1. Introduction 1
2. Lippmann’s Philosophical Prophecy 3
3. Toward a Liberal Account of Politics 7
References 1