James Madison Against Rationalism in Politics

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""Is there no virtue among us?--If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks--no form of Government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of Government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea." -- James Madison, addressing the ratification convention, quoted in Kevin Gutzman, James Madison and the Making of America, p. 231

Madison here hits at the very heart of the rationalist conceit: the idea that some theoretical system can substitute for civic virtue.

Comments

  1. Samson Corwell8:48 PM

    Rationalism looks to replace civic virtue? I thought the problem was that it supplanted practical application.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crosbie1:49 AM

    They constantly try to escape
    From the darkness outside and within
    By dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown5:04 PM

    Can't rationality be a virtue?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. gcallah5:18 PM

      Rationality is indeed a virtue. I am talking about rationalISM here, not rationality.

      Delete

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