{"product_id":"liberty-or-equality-the-challenge-of-our-times-9781610160308","title":"Liberty or Equality: The Challenge of Our Times","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLiberty or Equality: The Challenge of Our Times\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis political philosophy treatise by Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn examines one of the most contentious debates in political theory: the relationship between equality and liberty. First published in 1952, this work challenges conventional assumptions about democracy and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCore Argument\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKuehnelt-Leddihn traces the evolution of equality as a political ideal from the 18th century, arguing that it reduced to a single dangerous concept: equality of political power embodied in democracy. The author presents a controversial thesis that democratic equality leads not to liberty, but to the total state, using national socialism as a primary historical example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical Perspective\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book argues that government by law was better upheld in traditional monarchies, restrained by noble elites. Kuehnelt-Leddihn contends that aristocracy, rather than democracy, gave rise to individual liberty. He draws upon the classical liberal tradition to support his analysis, presenting evidence that war and totalitarianism have advanced under democratic systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eErik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn was a political theorist whose work challenged mainstream assumptions about political systems. His analysis draws from extensive historical research and classical political philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBook Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis paperback edition presents Kuehnelt-Leddihn's complete argument examining the tension between liberty and equality in political systems. The work remains relevant for students of political science, historians, and readers interested in political philosophy and the foundations of governmental systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePublished by the Ludwig von Mises Institute, this edition makes available a controversial but influential work of 20th-century political thought. The book provides historical analysis and theoretical arguments that question widely-held beliefs about democracy and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Readers Will Find\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders encounter arguments about the relationship between political systems and individual liberty, historical examples of how equality movements evolved, analysis of totalitarian regimes and their democratic origins, and examination of aristocratic versus democratic governance models. The work synthesizes classical liberal theory with historical case studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis treatise offers a perspective that challenges contemporary political orthodoxy, making it valuable for those seeking to understand alternative viewpoints in political philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ludwig Von Mises, Institute","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50681346031890,"sku":"9781610160308","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_5930a26a-4f2d-4f49-9e95-73010b71f04e.jpg?v=1733952138","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/liberty-or-equality-the-challenge-of-our-times-9781610160308","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}