Gregory
S. Brown
895 – 4181; gbrown@unlv.edu
M, W, F 10;30 - 11:20; CBC C316
Montesquieu, Spirit of the Laws (1748)
Republic: "probity", "virtue" ["corruption of the republic ...state is undone"]
without virtue, "ambition invades"
"moderation" ["self-denial ...sacrifice"]: virtue: constraint on people in a democracy; "honor" is constraint on nobles in aristocracy
through honor, noble man "advances public good while promoting his own interest" [guards against despotism]
in republic, private crimes are public; in monarchy, public crimes are private
Education in republic must teach "preference for public over priavet interest"
corruption of republic; "large fortunes," less moderation; each pursues "interests of his own"; public good is sacrificed to a "thousand private views"; leads to a government "whose spirit is turned to domination" (monarchy, then despotism)
Political liberty: "their own customs and inclinations" ("power of the people" often confounded with "liberty")
only found in "moderate government", in which "power is a check on power"
to protect liberty, from collapsing into despotism or monarchy, army "must consist of the people"