Political Philosophy of Devine and the Principles of Fusionism
The evolution of modern American conservatism is deeply rooted in the intellectual synthesis known as fusionism. This philosophical approach seeks to reconcile the often-conflicting values of individual liberty and social tradition. One of the key figures in advancing this discourse is Devine, whose work builds upon the foundations laid by influential thinkers such as Frank S. Meyer and Friedrich Hayek.
Devine's intellectual journey began at St. John's University in New York, where he was shaped by the mentorship of John Hurley, Charles Crowley, Francis Canavan, and William F. Buckley Jr. He is recognized as one of the primary followers of Frank S. Meyer, helping to propagate a version of fusionism that Ronald Reagan identified as the hallmark of modern conservatism.
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Key Facts
- Fusionism Definition: The utilization of libertarian means within a conservative society to achieve traditionalist ends.
- Core Political Value: Freedom is viewed as the preeminent political value, though it must be balanced by individual responsibility.
- Legitimate State Functions: The state is restricted to three roles: police, military, and the operation of a legal system to prevent immoral coercion.
- Constitutional Thesis: The progressive movement has obscured the original Constitutional order, leading to societal unease and a loss of national greatness.
- Philosophical Goal: A synthesis of freedom and tradition, rather than a mere political coalition of interests.
The Philosophy of Fusionism
At the heart of Devine's work is the belief that freedom is not an end in itself—a view he contrasts with the utopian perspectives of utilitarians. Instead, freedom is a means to an end. Because freedom lacks intrinsic goals, it must be balanced by responsibility and traditional order.
The Tension Between Freedom and Tradition
Devine argues that in a real society, traditional order and freedom exist in a state of constant tension. Rather than attempting to eliminate this tension, the solution is to "grasp it by both horns," creating a synthesis where both elements are preserved. While some argue that such a synthesis is illogical, Devine maintains that this harmony is the lifeblood of Western Civilization.
The Role of the State
Following the teachings of Meyer, this philosophy posits that coercion is immoral unless strictly limited. Consequently, the state's legitimate authority is confined to protecting citizens from coercion through the military, police, and a formal legal system. Obligations to others are viewed as individual responsibilities rather than state-mandated requirements.
Major Works and Contributions
Devine has explored these themes across more than ten books, moving from empirical studies of democracy to deep philosophical inquiries into the American state.
Empirical and Cultural Analysis
In The Attentive Public: Polyarchical Democracy, Devine examined the relationship between popular demands and government outputs, a work praised by Arend Lijphart and Samuel A. Kirkpatrick for its contribution to democratic theory. He further analyzed the American psyche in The Political Culture of the United States, synthesizing data from scientific polls since the 1930s with the writings of John Locke and The Federalist Papers.
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Constitutional and Governmental Critique
Devine's later works focus on the erosion of the original Constitutional order. In Restoring the Tenth Amendment, he details the shift away from federalist roots, arguing that the national government's assumption of state and local responsibilities has led to systemic inefficiency. Reagan's Terrible Swift Sword provides a first-hand account of the Reagan Administration's efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy against the resistance of the political establishment.
Defending Western Values
Through Does Freedom Work? and In Defense of the West, Devine connects the ideas of Adam Smith and John Locke to the American Founders. He argues that the only viable alternative to current societal unease is a return to the principles underlying the Constitution, defending Western values against domestic cynicism and foreign threats.
Summary of Key Publications
| Book Title | Primary Focus | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| The Attentive Public | Polyarchical Democracy | Analyzed popular demands vs. government outputs. |
| The Political Culture of the United States | American Political Beliefs | Synthesized historical polls with Locke and The Federalist Papers. |
| The Enduring Tension | Fusionism | Proposed harmonizing traditionalism and libertarianism via a criterion principle. |
| Reagan's Terrible Swift Sword | Federal Bureaucracy | Documented Reagan-era reforms of the federal government. |
| Restoring the Tenth Amendment | Federalism | Examined the movement away from the Constitution's federalist roots. |
| In Defense of the West | Western Civilization | Analyzed the survival of Western values under modern siege. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fusionism in the context of Devine's work?
Fusionism is the philosophical synthesis of libertarian means and traditionalist ends within a conservative society. It seeks a deeper philosophical resolution between social and economic conservatism rather than a simple political alliance.
How does Devine view the role of the state?
Devine believes the state should be limited to three legitimate functions: maintaining the military, operating the police, and managing a legal system to prevent immoral coercion.
What is the "criterion principle" mentioned in The Enduring Tension?
The criterion principle, developed by Frank S. Meyer, is a method used to harmonize traditionalism and libertarianism by balancing various principles against one another based on specific circumstances.
Why does Devine believe Americans are currently uneasy with their government?
He argues that the success of the progressive movement has obscured the original Constitutional order, leaving many Americans without an understanding of how their government was intended to function, which creates a demand for an alternative.
What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment in Devine's philosophy?
Devine views the Tenth Amendment as a cornerstone of federalism. He argues that moving away from these roots has overburdened the national government with responsibilities that properly belong to the private sector or state and local governments.