The Phantom Public / Edition 1

by Walter Lippmann

Overview

In an era disgusted with politicians and the various instruments of "direct democracy," Walter Lippmann's The Phantom Public remains as relevant as ever. It reveals Lippmann at a time when he was most critical of the ills of American democracy. Antipopulist in sentiment, this volume defends elitism as a serious and distinctive intellectual option, one with considerable precursors in the American past. Lippmann's demythologized view of the American system of government resonates today.

The Phantom Public discusses the "disenchanted man" who has become disillusioned not only with democracy, but also with reform. According to Lippmann, the average voter is incapable of governance; what is called the public is merely a "phantom." In terms of policy-making, the distinction should not be experts versus amateurs, but insiders versus outsiders. Lippmann challenges the core assumption of Progressive politics as well as any theory that pretends to leave political decision making in the hands of the people as a whole.

In his biography Walter Lippmann and the American Century, Ronald Steel praised The Phantom Public as "one of Lippmann's most powerfully argued and revealing books. In it he came fully to terms with the inadequacy of traditional democratic theory." This volume is part of a continuing series on the major works of Walter Lippmann. As more and more Americans are inclined to become apathetic to the political system, this classic will be essential reading for students, teachers, and researchers of political science and history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781560006770
Publisher:	Transaction Publishers
Publication date:	01/30/1993
Series:	Library of Conservative Thought
Edition description:	REVISED
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Lippmann, Walter

Table of Contents

PART I. THE DISENCHANTED MAN II. THE UNATTAINABLE IDEAL III. AGENTS AND BYSTANDERS. IV . WHAT THE PUBLIC DOES V . THE NEUTRALIZATION OF ARBITRARY FORCE PART II VI. THE QUESTION ARISTOTLE ASKED VII . THE NATURE OF A PROBLEM VIII . SOCIAL CONTRACTS IX . THE TWO QUESTIONS BEFORE THE PUBLIC X . THE MAIN VALUE OF PUBLIC DEBATE XI . THE DEFECTIVE RULE XII. THE CRITERIA OF REFORM XIII. THE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC OPINION PART III XIV . SOCIETY IN ITS PLACE XV . ABSENTEE RULERS XVI THE REALMS OF DISORDER

Editorial Reviews

"Lippmann's clear exposition of the simple truths of democratic politics offers an excellent example of the value of carefully fashioned political theory to the undestanding and practice of governing. . . [The Phantom Public] serves as a much needed caution to public officials that effective leadership cannot be based on the swirling currents of public feeling." —Robert Heineman, The University Bookman

From the Publisher

Reprint of the Macmillan Co. classic originally published in 1927. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews