Lesson 3

Question 1

American traits:

Answer 1

-English origins=civic attitude (Liberty as a value and an ideal)
-Self-reliance and profit-oriented attitude
-Litigiousness
-Diversity and pluralism
-Tolerance
-Sense of exceptionalism (uniqueness and superiority)

Question 2

Background - France:

Answer 2

-France is an absolute monarchy
-France was a society of orders
-Europe is a continent of mandated religious uniformity

Question 3

Background - America:

Answer 3

-Institutions of self-government (colonial legislatures, town meetings, etc.)
-Society without aristocratic titles
-No state religion

Question 4

What is an American?

Answer 4

-Americans are of various origin but overcome this heterogeneity; they are not defined neither by religion or ethnicity
-They are shaped by political and social institutions that foster the sense of liberty, diversity, and self-reliance
-Because they left everything behind, they are future oriented (America is perceived as a land of opportunity)

Question 5

What is an American?

Answer 5

J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur (1735-1813)
Letters from an American Farmer (1782)
-An American sheds old prejudices and adopts new ways of life, governance, and social rank.
-Becoming an American is likened to being embraced by a nurturing, collective homeland (“Alma Mater”).
-Americans were once dispersed across Europe but have united into a unique and thriving population system.
-Their distinctiveness will grow due to the varied climates they inhabit.
-Hard work is rewarded proportionally, providing sustenance and progress.
-The American embodies a “new man,” acting on innovative principles, ideas, and opinions
-Life shifts from idleness, dependence, and poverty to meaningful, rewarding labor.

Question 6

Qualities of a democratic society:

Answer 6

-Equality as a democratic quality (equality vs liberty)
-Democracy and individualism
-Individualism vs selfishness
-Excessive individualism and despotism
-Civic engagement as a counterweight to individualism (self-interest well understood, material well-being and love of freedom)
-“Associational” character of America
-Conformity to public opinion (electoral politics, epistemic and moral power of majority)

Question 7

Summary of Americans:

Answer 7

-value private pursuit but take part in public affairs
-use associations and institutions of self-government to reconcile pursuit of private interests with the good of others
-are passionate about material well-being but connect it closely to political freedom through economic freedom

Question 8

Collective individualism
Ralph Barton Perry
“The American Cast of Mind” in Characteristically American (1949)

Answer 8

-Individualism defines America: The concept of individualism best characterizes America, but it must be understood with specific nuances.
-Not about solitude or isolation: American individualism does not celebrate solitude, personal uniqueness, or retreat from the world.
-Opposite of singularity: It contrasts with singularity, as Americans are highly social and cooperative.
-Suspicion of isolation: Individuals who isolate themselves, refuse to engage, or fail to contribute to collective efforts are viewed suspiciously.
-Collective individualism: American individualism emphasizes cooperation and interaction among people rather than isolation.

Question 9

Collective individualism