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Toward a More Perfect Union:: Writings of Herbert J. Storing
This book is part of AEI's Landmarks in Contemporary Political Thought series. The books contain major writings by five of America's most distinguished political scientists and political theorists.
486 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 7, 2024
The American Enterprise Institute has produced a remarkable edition of 24 essays and speeches by Herbert J.Storing, “Toward a More Perfect Union.” Storing, an American political scientist, was known for his serious study of the American framers and founding. The constitutional theorist Walter Berns once described Storing as "the most profound man I have encountered in the field of American studies."
Storing, like his mentor Leo Strauss, understood that the study of politics could not proceed without reference to choices informed by values. Storing negated the tendency of contemporary social science, following Max Weber, to attempt to make a distinction between fact and value. The modern social scientist celebrates the former, and eschews the latter, unless of course the value in question is measurable. In contrast, Storing’s research is imbued with the belief that political decisions are informed by value driven choices; political actors seek to preserve what they believe to be good, and strive to attain what they think is the best.
This volume addresses Storing’s view of six distinct areas of scholarship: the American founding, race relations, the public interest, public administration, statesmanship, and education.
By far the most important section of this compilation is Storing’s work on the American founding. His work profoundly examines the Convention debates, and demonstrates the concerns of future Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry and Luther Martin, who felt it was in the public interest to question the prudence of the new constitutional order.
As Storing notes, this forced the Federalists to give a more nuanced defense of their ideas and brought them to the Great Compromise. The author relates how Benjamin Franklin, Enlightenment scientist, and the oldest Convention delegate, stepped forward to take responsibility for the whole, reminding delegates of the frailty of human reason, the danger of losing a sense of proportion, and the need for all delegates to elevate their thoughts.
For Storing, the issues raised in the ratification debates are of fundamental import. Many of them are still unresolved today. And, insofar as they pertain to the essence of the American regime, they cannot be ignored.
In sum, Storing’s work is edifying; and, most importantly, he demonstrates a genuine sense of concern and reverence for the American project. His writing is measured and his intent is to further understanding, not hector those with whom he may disagree.
Storing, like his mentor Leo Strauss, understood that the study of politics could not proceed without reference to choices informed by values. Storing negated the tendency of contemporary social science, following Max Weber, to attempt to make a distinction between fact and value. The modern social scientist celebrates the former, and eschews the latter, unless of course the value in question is measurable. In contrast, Storing’s research is imbued with the belief that political decisions are informed by value driven choices; political actors seek to preserve what they believe to be good, and strive to attain what they think is the best.
This volume addresses Storing’s view of six distinct areas of scholarship: the American founding, race relations, the public interest, public administration, statesmanship, and education.
By far the most important section of this compilation is Storing’s work on the American founding. His work profoundly examines the Convention debates, and demonstrates the concerns of future Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry and Luther Martin, who felt it was in the public interest to question the prudence of the new constitutional order.
As Storing notes, this forced the Federalists to give a more nuanced defense of their ideas and brought them to the Great Compromise. The author relates how Benjamin Franklin, Enlightenment scientist, and the oldest Convention delegate, stepped forward to take responsibility for the whole, reminding delegates of the frailty of human reason, the danger of losing a sense of proportion, and the need for all delegates to elevate their thoughts.
For Storing, the issues raised in the ratification debates are of fundamental import. Many of them are still unresolved today. And, insofar as they pertain to the essence of the American regime, they cannot be ignored.
In sum, Storing’s work is edifying; and, most importantly, he demonstrates a genuine sense of concern and reverence for the American project. His writing is measured and his intent is to further understanding, not hector those with whom he may disagree.
July 31, 2020
A great resource on the constitution, slavery, Douglass, and Washington. Storing studied under Strauss who clearly taught the importance of careful study. This collection of essays is a great resource.
Want to read
July 29, 2011A nice collection of Professor Storing's work. The readings cover a wide range of topics, there is something in here for any student of history/political science.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews