The interviewers attempt to capture Mansfield’s understanding of what it is to see democracy and America from the perspective of Tocqueville–to “see by doing,” which is to see democracy “in” America, and therefore to see America in light of the existing facts of democratic life. Mansfield calls what is seen “the fact of freedom.” Tocqueville’s understanding of this fact is explored and compared with the understanding of other liberal thinkers.
Read the full interview at Anamnesis.