托克维尔的乡镇自治思想探析

A Probe into Tocqueville's Township Autonomy Thought

托克维尔的乡镇自治思想是其民主思想的重要组成部分。首先通过梳理总结托克维尔的文本叙述,概括出美国乡镇规模合理、人民性和独立性等特点。其次找到托克维尔乡镇自治思想的三个主要渊源:英国自治传统、商业精神和宗教。最后重点探索乡镇自治对于民主的价值:有助于祛除愚昧的臣民思想,培养现代公民;有助于分散单一的权力中心,防止多数暴政;有助于对抗个人主义,拒绝政治冷漠。

Tocqueville’s thought of township autonomy is an important part of his democratic thought. This thesis is divided into three parts. Firstly,it generalizes American township’s characters of rationality,people and independence. Secondly,it exposes American township’s origins from British autonomy tradition,business spirit and Religion. Thirdly,it mainly investigates important values of Tocqueville’s township autonomy idea,which can help to dispel the ignorance of the people’s thoughts and cultivates modern citizens,decentralize single power center to prevent the majority tyranny,and be against individualism,refusing to political apathy.