Reading Montesquieu

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

This panel brings together four papers that explore different aspects of Montesquieu’s political thought. The papers are united in seeking to provide new perspectives on the interpretation and understanding of Montesquieu’s works. They focus on the themes of moderation, political education, pluralism, and Montesquieu’s influence on the American founding. Taken together, the papers on this panel examine the lessons and legacy that Montesquieu’s political thought continues to hold.

Sub Unit

• Division 1: Political Thought and Philosophy

Individual Presentations

• Discerning Spirits (of the Laws): Moderation and the Case of Egypt - Alex Haskins, Wheaton College

• Montesquieu's Educated Citizen: Commerce, Honor and Virtue in Moderate Government - Constantine Vassiliou, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

• Montesquieu’s Religious Particularism: A Regime-Specific Account of Pluralism - Wan Ning Seah, Duke University

• Montesquieu’s Influence on the American Declaration of Independence - Paul O. Carrese, Arizona State University

Chair

• Michael C. Hawley UNC Chapel Hill

Discussants

• Keegan Callanan Middlebury College

• Luke Foster Hillsdale College