The Constitution and the Pride of Reason

"Terrific....This book will make a much more significant and lasting contribution to the field of constitutional theory than many recent books that have received considerable attention."--Larry Alexander, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law "Steven Smith's fascinating and highly readable The Constitution and the Pride of Reason follows the 'trail of reason' through generations of constitutional theorists to expose the hubris at the heart of the Enlightenment precepts undergirding the Constitution. His analysis is comprehensive, lively, and even humorous at points as he exposes the deep faith in reason that has characterized constitutional theorizing since the framers gathered in Philadelphia....This well-written book is not only a chronicle but also a morality tale which ends with a warning to those who would continue to make extravagant claims about the efficacy of reason in constitutional lawmaking and theorizing."--Marci A. Hamilton, Professor of Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law "This is not a book for specialists in constitutional doctrine. It draws upon political and moral philosophy, history, constitutional theory, and political science to sustain a thesis which should interest all thinking Americans. It is also refreshingly well written, very clear and precise, often witty."--Gerald V. Bradley, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame "He provides a stimulating assessment of the problems faced by contemporary approaches to the determination of constitutional meanings, particularly in relation to the overall role of reason. His analysis should be useful to constitutional scholars, to persons in other academic fields and to members of the general public who are concered about constitutional interpretation."--The Law and Politics Book Review "...one of the most insightful, penetrating, and clearheaded exercises in American constitutional theory to come along in years. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and professionals."--Choice "Terrific....This book will make a much more significant and lasting contribution to the field of constitutional theory than many recent books that have received considerable attention."--Larry Alexander, Warren Distinguished Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law "Steven Smith's fascinating and highly readable The Constitution and the Pride of Reason follows the 'trail of reason' through generations of constitutional theorists to expose the hubris at the heart of the Enlightenment precepts undergirding the Constitution. His analysis is comprehensive, lively, and even humorous at points as he exposes the deep faith in reason that has characterized constitutional theorizing since the framers gathered in Philadelphia....This well-written book is not only a chronicle but also a morality tale which ends with a warning to those who would continue to make extravagant claims about the efficacy of reason in constitutional lawmaking and theorizing."--Marci A. Hamilton, Professor of Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law "This is not a book for specialists in constitutional doctrine. It draws upon political and moral philosophy, history, constitutional theory, and political science to sustain a thesis which should interest all thinking Americans. It is also refreshingly well written, very clear and precise, often witty."--Gerald V. Bradley, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame "He provides a stimulating assessment of the problems faced by contemporary approaches to the determination of constitutional meanings, particularly in relation to the overall role of reason. His analysis should be useful to constitutional scholars, to persons in other academic fields and to members of the general public who are concered about constitutional interpretation."--The Law and Politics Book Review "...one of the most insightful, penetrating, and clearheaded exercises in American constitutional theory to come along in years. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and professionals."--Choice "...The Constitution and the Pride of Reason is a lucid, cogently argued, and deeply meditated critique of currently fashionable trends in constitutional theory. I recommend it highly."--The Review of Politics