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The Immovable Foundations of the Infinite and Immortal: Tocqueville's Philosophical Anthropology

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  • Sarah Beth V. Kitch

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My purpose in this essay is to show that the enduring value of Alexis de Tocqueville's work is rooted in his philosophical anthropology, or view of human nature. In Democracy in America, Tocqueville reveals his view of human nature as he treats the relationship between religion and politics in the democratic social state. His political science remains valuable because he understands human beings as creatures distinguished by their desire for the infinite and immortal. In sum, for Tocqueville, religion is an essential support of liberty in the democratic social state because it answers the soul's desire for the infinite and immortal, and provides the foundations for personal and political justice.

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  • Sarah Beth V. Kitch, 2016. "The Immovable Foundations of the Infinite and Immortal: Tocqueville's Philosophical Anthropology," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 60(4), pages 947-957, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:amposc:v:60:y:2016:i:4:p:947-957
    DOI: 10.1111/ajps.12269
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