When social reformers blame the current ills of Western culture on the loss of community, they often evoke an ideal past in which societies were characterized by shared values, respect for tradition, commitment to the common good, and similar attributes. Communitarians assert that community was prominent in the past, and argue that reclaiming the role community formerly played is necessary to counter the negative effects of individualism and liberal thinking. Considering the relevance of community for our moral and political life today, Derek Phillips offers the first thorough critique of the historical, often nostalgic, claims that underlie dominant versions of communitarian philosophy.Originally published in 1993.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Acknowledgments Ch. 1Uncovering the Communitarian Ideal Ch. 2Once upon a Time in America Ch. 3The Communitarian Ideal and the American Reality Ch. 4Life in the Middle Ages: An Overview Ch. 5The Communitarian Ideal and the Medieval Reality Ch. 6Community and the Good Life in Classical Athens Ch. 7Learning from History Ch. 8A Liberal Response to Communitarian Thought Notes Bibliography Index