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Coalition Theories: A Logical and Empirical Critique

rationality must be recognized to be pointless by those who pin their faith on belief in the ultimate rationality of the democratic process. Mr. Brittan still has faith—naturally enough, for anyone born in and committed to any country of historical tradition and pride-but one occasionally senses a hint that the author is uneasily aware that no one is willing to listen. This has, indeed, been the reaction in Britain to the main essay, "A Restatement of Economic Liberalism," which accounts for the first 150 pages of the book. This is a very carefully worked out and balanced essay, notable for its willingness to suffer fools patiently (if not gladly) and its philosophical sweep, as good as can be found in the way of a relevant modern restatement and extension of classical liberal ideas. If anything, Brittan concedes too much to the wilder superficial critics of capitalism for American tastes; but one has to remember that the universities of privilege in the United Kingdom stifle genuine intellectual enquiry and debate to an extent impossible in the political and cultural polycentricity of the United States. Nevertheless, this has not saved Brittan from savage reviewer attacks based on refusal to follow his arguments, and depiction of him as a mere beautician lackey of "the ugly face of capitalism." There is a growing body of observers who fear that Britain today is a picture of what the United States is likely to become tomorrow. Few, however, if any, have extended their gloomy prediction from the economics into the politics of the welfare state. Brittan's work suggests a number of themes worth exploring in the context of contemporary American democracy.