Wednesday, July 1, 2009

American Public Philosophy and the Mystery of Lincolnism

by Eric C. Sands

From the publisher:
In this new consideration of Lincoln's “public philosophy”—the nation's understanding of itself—Sands seeks to determine why the spirit that successfully led the Union through the Civil War was unable to sustain itself during Reconstruction. He defines Lincolnism as a rededication to the principle of natural rights, a narrative of Divine Providence, a sentiment of brotherhood, and an augmentation of founding principles. He then explains how Lincoln's assassination, Johnson's succession, and developments in philosophy and science worked to undermine this philosophy after the war.

Eric C. Sands is Assistant Professor of Government at Berry College and lives in Rome, Georgia.