Thomas A. Spragens, Jr., (1942–2023) was professor of political science at Duke University. He authored numerous books over the course of his career, including the prizewinning Civic Liberalism: Reflections on Our Democratic Ideals.

• ForewordIntroduction1. The Political Economy Debate: What Brings Prosperity?2. The Moral Philosophy Debate: Are Market Outcomes Morally Acceptable?3. Markets and the Good Society4. Why No Slam Dunk Answers5. Conclusion: Toward Reasonable Judgements

"The free-market process is ultimately based on the reality of who we are as human beings. The free economy is not an 'instrument' but a 'process' which allows the 'flourishing' of the human person. . . . Spragens's study is a most worthwhile contribution in this ongoing discussion." —VoegelinView"Capitalism and Democracy is a remarkably evenhanded book, and especially so in these highly contentious days. Spragens joins a sophisticated understanding of political theory to economic analysis and provides a fuller account of what is at stake in debates about the extent to which the market should be 'free' and the government should 'interfere' with it than one usually finds in writings on these matters. I read it practically straight through and found it almost as enjoyable as reading a good novel." —Richard Dagger, author of Playing Fair"This brief but powerful book is a much-needed—and timely—Guide for the Perplexed Citizen, and it is as wise as it is witty. Capitalism and Democracy is a masterful synthesis of disparate sources, and a highly intelligent assessment and critique of arguments advanced by various economists, political theorists, and politicians. Spragens's prose is pithy, clear, and a delight to read." —Terence Ball, co-author of Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal

Thomas A. Spragens, Jr., (1942–2023) was professor of political science at Duke University. He authored numerous books over the course of his career, including the prizewinning Civic Liberalism: Reflections on Our Democratic Ideals.

• ForewordIntroduction1. The Political Economy Debate: What Brings Prosperity?2. The Moral Philosophy Debate: Are Market Outcomes Morally Acceptable?3. Markets and the Good Society4. Why No Slam Dunk Answers5. Conclusion: Toward Reasonable Judgements

"The free-market process is ultimately based on the reality of who we are as human beings. The free economy is not an 'instrument' but a 'process' which allows the 'flourishing' of the human person. . . . Spragens's study is a most worthwhile contribution in this ongoing discussion." —VoegelinView"Capitalism and Democracy is a remarkably evenhanded book, and especially so in these highly contentious days. Spragens joins a sophisticated understanding of political theory to economic analysis and provides a fuller account of what is at stake in debates about the extent to which the market should be 'free' and the government should 'interfere' with it than one usually finds in writings on these matters. I read it practically straight through and found it almost as enjoyable as reading a good novel." —Richard Dagger, author of Playing Fair"This brief but powerful book is a much-needed—and timely—Guide for the Perplexed Citizen, and it is as wise as it is witty. Capitalism and Democracy is a masterful synthesis of disparate sources, and a highly intelligent assessment and critique of arguments advanced by various economists, political theorists, and politicians. Spragens's prose is pithy, clear, and a delight to read." —Terence Ball, co-author of Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal

Thomas A. Spragens, Jr., (1942–2023) was professor of political science at Duke University. He authored numerous books over the course of his career, including the prizewinning Civic Liberalism: Reflections on Our Democratic Ideals.

• ForewordIntroduction1. The Political Economy Debate: What Brings Prosperity?2. The Moral Philosophy Debate: Are Market Outcomes Morally Acceptable?3. Markets and the Good Society4. Why No Slam Dunk Answers5. Conclusion: Toward Reasonable Judgements

"The free-market process is ultimately based on the reality of who we are as human beings. The free economy is not an 'instrument' but a 'process' which allows the 'flourishing' of the human person. . . . Spragens's study is a most worthwhile contribution in this ongoing discussion." —VoegelinView"Capitalism and Democracy is a remarkably evenhanded book, and especially so in these highly contentious days. Spragens joins a sophisticated understanding of political theory to economic analysis and provides a fuller account of what is at stake in debates about the extent to which the market should be 'free' and the government should 'interfere' with it than one usually finds in writings on these matters. I read it practically straight through and found it almost as enjoyable as reading a good novel." —Richard Dagger, author of Playing Fair"This brief but powerful book is a much-needed—and timely—Guide for the Perplexed Citizen, and it is as wise as it is witty. Capitalism and Democracy is a masterful synthesis of disparate sources, and a highly intelligent assessment and critique of arguments advanced by various economists, political theorists, and politicians. Spragens's prose is pithy, clear, and a delight to read." —Terence Ball, co-author of Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal