Barnard argues that Western democracy, if it is to continue to exist as a legitimate political system, must maintain the integrity of its application of performative principles. Consequently, if both social and political democracy are legitimate goals, limitations designed to curb excessive political power may also be applicable in containing excessive economic power. Barnard stresses that whatever steps are taken to augment civic reciprocity, the observance and self-imposition of publicly recognized standards is vital. Democratic Legitimacy will appeal to political scientists and philosophers, as well as specialists in democratic theory.

University of Western Ontario

Frederick M. Barnard's profile page

"Barnard's discussion of Thomasius is a valuable resuscitation of a writer who speaks to our own age about the problem of giving due place to the distinctive demands of community and citizenship." David Braybrooke, professor of government and philosophy, The University of Texas at Austin "An original contribution to the field ... Barnard provides a number of interesting and detailed discussions of major figures in the history of political thought ... Democratic Legitimacy is a challenging read." Lesley Jacobs, Department of Philosophy, Law and Society, York University "A work of reflective depth and power." Don Carmichael, Department of Political Science, University of Alberta