philosophy

". . . Joseph J. Ellis focuses the conversation on the often-asked question 'What would the Founding Fathers think?' He examines four of our most seminal historical figures through the prism of particular topics, using the perspective of the present to shed light on their views and, in turn, to make clear how their now centuries-old ideas illuminate the disturbing impasse of today's political conflicts. He discusses Jefferson and the issue of racism, Adams and the specter of economic inequality, Washington and American imperialism, Madison and the doctrine of original intent. Through these juxtapositions . . . Ellis illuminates the obstacles and pitfalls paralyzing contemporary discussions of these fundamentally important issues"--Provided by publisher.

Presents the argument that the concept of "Manifest Destiny," whose roots are traced here, has degraded to the point where the United States feels morally obligated to end tyranny the world over and warns that if this policy is not altered, it will lead to the country's downfall.

Discusses the history of America's Founding Fathers through their words and actions but also through the architectural treasures of the homes they built while they conspired to change the world.

Argues that American society has become utopian oriented and not liberty oriented, examining the history and psychology of utopia and looking at the philosophies of Plato, Thomas More, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Alexis de Tocqueville.

Explores how American unilateralism has impacted its role as a world power and how other countries view the U.S., focusing on how political and military decisions made after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have alienated the country's closest allies.

"Six myths lie at the heart of the American experience. Taken as aspirational, four of those myths remind us of our noblest ideals, challenging us to realize our nation's promise while galvanizing the sense of hope and unity we need to reach our goals. Misused, these myths allow for illusions of innocence that fly in the face of white supremacy, the primal American myth that stands at the heart of all the others"--Publisher.

A critique of the Bush administration's foreign policy that exposes the folly of an agenda of preventive war, placing it in the context of two hundred years of American strategic doctrine.

The autobiographical memoir of the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to become attorney general of the State of California, and the second black woman ever elected to the United States Senate. Harris discusses the impact that her family and community had on her life, and how she came to discover her own sense of self and purpose.

Examines how the educations of America's first four presidents, and in particular their scholarly devotion to ancient Greek and Roman classics, informed the beliefs and ideals that shaped the nation's constitution and government.

"[Shares the life of] the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to become attorney general of the State of California, and the second black woman ever elected to the United States Senate. Harris discusses the impact that her family and community had on her life, and how she came to discover her own sense of self and purpose"--OCLC.