A Theory of Public Opinion
This book traces the emergence of the ideas and institutions that evolved to give people mastery over their own destiny through the force of public opinion. The Greek belief in citizen participation is shown as the ground upon which the idea of public opinion began and grew. For Wilson, public opinion is an "orderly force," contributing to social and political life.
Wilson appraises the influence of modern psychology and the slow appearance of methodologies that would enable people not only to measure the opinions of others, but to mold them as well. He examines the relation of the theory of public opinion to the intellectuals, the middle class, and the various revolutionary and proletarian movements of the modern era. The circumstances in which the individual may refuse to follow the opinions of the experts are succinctly and movingly analyzed.
This book is a historical and philosophical evaluation of a concept that has played a decisive part in history, and whose overwhelming force is underestimated. The author’s insight brings an understanding that is invaluable at a time when public opinion, the force developed to enable the ruled to restrain their rulers, has become controllable. Attempts to manipulate it are made by those who would impose their will upon their fellow men.
“[This book] is a mine of valuable information which deserves serious study and of equally valuable insights from a mature and thoroughly cultured mind which deserve careful thought.”
—Rene De Visme Williamson, The Journal of Politics
“In his review of public opinion theories Wilson pays particular attention to the theorists of the late eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries. . . . [This book] places the study of public opinion in a broad context, a more meaningful framework than much purely empirical research has thus far been able to do. It calls attention to the many basic and critical problems with which the student of public opinion, as well as the public itself and its leaders, must come to grips. It perceives somewhat more clearly than usual the real implications of certain trends that are transforming, if not undermining, democracy as we have known it. Moreover, Wilson, in his approach to these fundamental problems, takes a more discriminating view than many.”
—Harwood L. Childs, Public Opinion Quarterly
“This volume reflects Francis Wilson’s life-time interest in public opinion and political philosophy…. [T]his book . . . criticizes without stridency and irrationality—toward restoring the dialogue between theorists and practitioners in political science.”
—Samuel Krislov, The American Political Science Review
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Table of Contents
Introduction to the Transaction Edition, H. Lee Cheek, Jr.
A Preface and an Explanation
Part I. The Historical Inquiry
Chapter 1. In Quest of a Public
Chapter 2. The Great Ideas: A Converging Stream
Chapter 3. The Necessary Institutions of Public Opinion
Part II. The Modern Inquiry
Chapter 4. The Emergence and Shaping of the Study of Public Opinion
Chapter 5. Controversy, Tradition, and Culture
Chapter 6. The Quality of Opinion
Chapter 7. Systematic Techniques
Part III. Groups and the Ordering of Opinion
Chapter 8. Public Opinion and the Intellectuals
Chapter 9. The Middle Class
Chapter 10. The Proletarian Definition
Part IV. Assessments and Conclusions
Chapter 11. The Situation of the Common Man
Chapter 12. Theory for Tomorrow