This timely book consists of letters addressed to two young radicals from both sides of the political spectrum who are sceptical about moderation. Written in an accessible style, this book is intended for general audiences interested in contemporary events. It uses compelling examples from politics, philosophy, history, literature and art.
Focusing on a largely overlooked group of post-revolutionary French thinkers, the book delves into the political thought of the Doctrinaires, who advocated for a sophisticated understanding of democracy. Through a blend of textual analysis and historical context, it investigates their perspectives on key concepts such as the French Revolution, political power, and representative government, emphasizing their unique contributions to liberalism and the sociological implications of their ideas.
Examining the writings of twentieth-century thinkers such as Raymond Aron, Isaiah Berlin, Norberto Bobbio, Michael Oakeshott, and Adam Michnik, Faces of Moderation argues that moderation remains crucial for today's encounters with new forms of extremism.