مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Centralization, Media, and Liberty in the Aristocratic Liberalism

Abstract :

The development of modernity goes ahead with institutionalization of nation-states and mutual integration aboveground. The cultural and political dilemma about globalization, immigration and legality triggered new quests. Following the obvious collapse of welfare state model and the end of cold war, academicians seeking for answers to these dilemmas started to be concerned about the liberal philosophers of 19th century. Indeed, the criticism of 19th century liberals towards modernization, nation-state, and enlightenment might be a adequate tool for the reconstruction of the system. Aristocratic liberalism is one of the most outstanding thought movements during 19th century. It profoundly affected political science, sociology and anthropology. The views of aristocratic liberals on centralization maintain its importance in this day and age. In communication sciences, Tocqueville‟s criticisms about transitions of media parallel with latest developments can be benefited effectively. His thoughts involve brilliant notices rather than a pile of prepared solutions. In this sense, they broaden horizons for effective and creative studies. In this study, the background of Tocqueville‟s views on centralization was investigated. Considering the findings about the centralization of media along with the centralization tendency of modernism in his “L Ancien Régime et la Révolution” book, recent developments were reviewed. Having superiority over negative liberty with modernization, positive liberty and its role in the process of centralization was touched upon. Lastly, the consequences of media centralization emerging in this process were discussed