Civil Peace and the Quest for Truth: The First Amendment Freedoms in Political Philosophy and American Constitutionalism (Applications of Political Theory) [Paperback]

Murray Dry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0739109316 | ISBN-13: 978-0739109311 | Edition: 1ST

The freedoms of speech and religion assumed a sacrosanct space in American notions of civil liberty. But it was not until the twentieth century that these freedoms became prominent in American constitutional law; originally, the first ten amendments applied only to the federal government and not to the states. Murray Dry traces the trajectory of freedom of speech and religion to the center of contemporary debates as few scholars have done, by looking back to the American founding and to the classical texts in political philosophy that shaped the founders' understanding of republican government. By comparing the colonial charters with the new state constitutions and studying the development of the federal Constitution, Dry demonstrates the shift from governmental concern for the salvation of souls to the more limited aim of the securing of rights. For a uniquely rich and nuanced appreciation of this shift Dry explores the political philosophy of Locke, Spinoza, Montesquieu, and Mill, among others, whose writings helped shaped the Supreme Court's view of religion as separate from philosophy, as a matter of individual faith and not a community practice. Delving into the polyvalent interpretations of such fundamental concepts as truth, faith, and freedom, Civil Peace and the Quest for Truth immeasurably advances the study of American constitutional law and our First Amendment rights.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The great distinction of this book is that it links three subjects, which are far too often considered separately: constitutional protection for free speech, the religion clauses of the Constitutions, and the teachings of the political philosophers who influenced the Founding Fathers. Professor Dry reveals the deep ties between these subjects, thereby shedding considerable light on modern constitutional doctrine. (Daniel Farber )

This timely book carefully describes the Supreme Court's constitutional doctrines of free speech and religion, and shows how that jurisprudence is derived from the Enlightenment thinkers who influenced the drafters of the American Constitution. Dry's analysis contains many insights on contemporary problems-from school vouchers to flag-burning-that will educate lawyers and non-lawyers alike. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the constitutional protection of speech and religion. (Suzanna Sherry )

Civil Peace and the Quest for Truth has many virtues, not least its lucid presentation of an argument assumed by many but made by few. The author's broad reach of argumentation, precise scholarship, clear organization and expression, and confident liberalism promise that the book serves as a valuable introduction and reference for anyone considering the relation of political philosophy to American constitutionalism. (Stoner, James R., Jr. )

About the Author

Murray Dry is Charles A. Dana Professor of Political Science at Middlebury College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Lexington Books; 1ST edition (November 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739109316
• ISBN-13: 978-0739109311
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,469,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prof. Dry educates us deeply in the American Founding, June 21, 2007

By 

Rodolfo (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Civil Peace and the Quest for Truth: The First Amendment Freedoms in Political Philosophy and American Constitutionalism (Applications of Political Theory) (Paperback)

Prof. Dry provides a deep and clear account of the thought of the eminent political and legal thinkers before, during and after the Founding.

Most books and classes on the First Amendment discuss only the last part of the relevant history, the Supreme Court cases of the 20th century. Neglected are the political ideas and disputes of religious leaders such as Winthrop, Penn, and Williams, the debates among of the Founders and the Framers, and the evolution of rights in the state constitutions. Prof. Dry gives an erudite discussion of First Amendment jurisprudence, but only after laying out the philosophical and theological foundation for that jurisprudence.

Few scholars are as able today as Prof. Dry to succeed in such a task. A student of Herbert Storing, the remarkable commentator on and editor of the Anti-Federalist writings, Prof. Dry has contemplated and taught the American Founding and Constitutional Law for three decades.

Both students and scholars will find this work full of illuminating and rare insight.