Prosperity and Torment in France: The Paradox of the Democratic Age

A philosophical and historical analysis of the paradox of French democracy that illuminates the challenges of the current democratic age.

In Prosperity and Torment in France, philosopher Chantal Delsol provides an analysis of the current state of affairs in French politics, economics, and cultural life that reveals key lessons for modern democracies around the world. She examines the seeming paradox of France as a wealthy country that provides almost unrivaled social services to its citizens at no extra cost, but one whose citizens are unsatisfied with the current state of affairs. Delsol traces this current dilemma back several hundred years, and examines the principle of the common good and its inherent tension with concepts like democracy and egalitarianism that often emphasize individualism. Likewise, Delsol emphasizes this concept also stands in contrast to the centralization of power in Paris throughout its history. In the end, Delsol notes that these historical tensions set the stage for many of the current tensions in France: secularism versus religion, economic liberalism versus the welfare state, civil service versus the private sector, and material wealth versus status.

By examining the paradox of France, Delsol brings to the forefront the challenges democracies are facing around the globe and asks the broader question of how governments should best serve their people in our contemporary world.

Chantal Delsol is professor of philosophy at the University of Marne-la-Vallée and an elected member of the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques (Institut de France). She is the author of numerous books, including La Fin de la Chrétienté (The End of Christianity).

Andrew Kelley is professor of philosophy and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Bradley University. He writes on twentieth-century French philosophy and has translated books from French and German philosophers.

Daniel J. Mahoney is a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and professor emeritus at Assumption University.