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Prudence, Politics, and the Proclamation
Publication Date: August 2007
Publisher(s): Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
Author(s): Allen C. Guelzo
Series: First Principles
Topic: Politics (Nationalism)
Keywords: Thought; Lincoln; first principles; Prudence
Type: Other
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
Abraham Lincoln understood emancipation not as the satisfaction of a "spirit" overriding the law, nor as the moment of fusion between the Constitution and absolute moral theory, but as a goal to be achieved through prudential means so that worthwhile consequences might result. In Lincoln, we have our best glimpse of prudence in a liberal democracy.