| A Theory of Public Opinion Revised Edition Contributor(s): Wilson, Francis (Editor) |
|
 |
ISBN: 1412815010 ISBN-13: 9781412815017 Publisher: Transaction Publishers OUR PRICE: $50.30 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: June 2013 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Sociology - General - Literary Collections - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Democracy |
| Dewey: 303.38 |
| LCCN: 2012006409 |
| Physical Information: 0.69" H x 6" W x 9" (0.97 lbs) 329 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: This book traces the emergence of the ideas and institutions that evolved to give people mastery over their own destiny through the force of public opinion. The Greek belief in citizen participation is shown as the ground upon which the idea of public opinion began and grew. For Wilson, public opinion is an "orderly force," contributing to social and political life. Wilson appraises the influence of modern psychology and the slow appearance of methodologies that would enable people not only to measure the opinions of others, but to mold them as well. He examines the relation of the theory of public opinion to the intellectuals, the middle class, and the various revolutionary and proletarian movements of the modern era. The circumstances in which the individual may refuse to follow the opinions of the experts are succinctly and movingly analyzed. This book is a historical and philosophical evaluation of a concept that has played a decisive part in history, and whose overwhelming force is underestimated. The author's insight brings an understanding that is invaluable at a time when public opinion, the force developed to enable the ruled to restrain their rulers, has become controllable. Attempts to manipulate it are made by those who would impose their will upon their fellow men. |
Contributor Bio(s): Wilson, Francis Graham: - Francis Graham Wilson (1901-1976) was an eminent political scientist who taught at the University of Washington and the University of Illinois. He is best known for establishing a historical theory of public opinion as distinct from the methodology. He is the author of numerous articles and books on public opinion, including The American Political Mind and The Case for Conservatism. |