American Ideals: Founding a 'Republic of Virtue'

By: The Great Courses, Daniel N. Robinson

Narrated by: Daniel N. Robinson

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

What is the significance of the phrase "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence? Why does it read "We the people" in the preamble to the Constitution? What were the philosophies and social forces that made this country unique - that enabled it to become the first successfully self-governing republic?

Answer these questions and more with this insightful 12-lecture course, which explores the principles that guided the founding of the United States, the conditions that led to the break with Great Britain, and the creation of such founding documents as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. You'll deepen your understanding of fundamental ideas that inspired American independence and that continue to have a profound influence on American thought. You'll also receive insight into what historians call "the long conversation" in American society - questions that have been the focus of debate and controversy since the nation was born.

As the world's oldest democracy, the United States stands as the "test case" for those who regard self-government as inherently unstable, inherently self-destructive. Examining the founding documents, such as the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution, Professor Robinson considers the principles under which the United States evolved.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Mr. Robinson is a pleasure to listen to, his presentation and asides make one feel he is in the lecture hall.

Fascinating presentation that ended too quickly.

The lectures flew by, even after listening to large parts of them more than once to better understand it all.

Great discussion

Dr. Robinson does a marvelous job delving into the common modes of thought that led to the US Constitution. Very engaging. I highly recommend it.

So much more than anticipated

A wonderful ride thru the birth of the USA.
What lies behind the constitution and how did it come about.
A convincing and engaging narration. Will look for more audibles by Prof. Daniel N. Robinson.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Very well done!

Loved the material, the presentation, understanding of the challenges the framers of the constitution had, yet they made it work.

Fantastic

Entertaining and enlightening, these twelve lectures are easily worth anyone’s time and attention. I’ve listened to them all at least five times over the years.

Best 6 hour course yet

I’ve listened to dozens of the great courses and of the 12 lecture selections this has to be my favorite.

Always a pleasure to listen to Dr.Robinson

Whether in agreement or not with his particular biases, the intellectual rigor with which Robinson reviews the historical, moral context of the Founding is enlightening.

Beautiful and Flawless

As always just beautiful! Delivery is flawless. Mix of philosophy and some comparisons with present times was really informative.

The Core of Republican Virtue, Is Education Itself

This course is simply perfection, accomplishing in 12 lectures what might take other courses 24. Tracing the origins of the American Revolution from the early disagreements between the Colonist and Great Britain, to the events that lead to the Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, and finally the Constitution. Professor Daniel Robinson delivers this in such an absolutely perfect fashion that it is almost as though you are being told the story from someone who was actually present during these events.