Montesquieu's Philosophy of Liberalism

A Commentary on The Spirit of the Laws

Pangle Thomas L.

This first comprehensive commentary on "The Spirit of the Laws" uncovers and explicates the plan of Montesquieu's famous but baffling treatise. Pangle brings to light Montesquieu's rethinking of the philosophical groundwork of liberalism, showing how "The Spirit of the Laws" enlarges and enriches the liberal conception of natural right by means of a new appeal to History as the source of basic norms.

About the Author

Thomas L. Pangle is the Joe R. Long Chair in Democratic Studies in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including "The Theological Basis of Liberal Modernity in Montesquieu's 'Spirit of the Laws'".

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