Patron

french political thinker, sociologist, politician

Author of the two-volume work Democracy in America, widely regarded as the most insightful analysis of democratic political society. Of particular importance are his examinations of the conflict between liberty and equality, the benefits of local self-government and political associations, as well as the relationship between the state and churches. One of the most important thinkers of the 19th century to have formulated the idea of liberal democracy. Tocqueville believed that democracy is not harmful only insofar as it does not threaten individual liberty and autonomy.