Trojan Horses in America
The political philosophy behind the most successful system in history
by Terence Hoyt, PhD
Reclaiming American Politics from Libertarians, the Far Left and Oligarchs
For too long now, activists on the far left and right have misunderstood the primary purpose of the American system. Beginning with a discussion of indignation in Plato’s Republic and a few key ideas of modern political thinkers, Dr. Hoyt shows how a powerful few have cultivated anger and resentment in citizens as part of a “divide and conquer” strategy. Exploring key ideas of mainstream political thinkers as well as the American founders, Dr.
Hoyt seeks to educate a new kind of activist and engaged citizen on the true purpose of the American system and how to regain control over our politics. With his book and educational project at ww.fourpoliticaltypes.net”, he seeks to inspire a new kind of politicalleadership that relentlessly engages in a commonsense, ethical politics that focuses on the wellbeing of all citizens, not just a few.
The book’s overarching theme is the ascendancy of a radical free market ideology in America, which posits the pursuit of profit as the preeminent public value. Its central argument is that this prevailing ideology has ultimately failed to serve the broader interest of the American public. The argument is both compelling and timely. Of particular significance is the book’s exploration of the transformation of the concept of self interest from a traditional understanding rooted in self-serving motives to the notion that selfishness is a moral virtue.
The perils inherent in the treatment of economic freedom as a moral rather than practical idea is a pivotal contribution to the discourse. Its argument that the true threat to freedom lies in the concentration of power within a small wealthy elite rather than in the imposition of limits or taxes on wealth, is a profound and provocative perspective. The book argues for the importance of ethical care, justice, and the common good as fundamental values with the American tradition, and it calls for return to these ideals.
Dr. Gary B. Herbert,
The Rev. Guy Lemieux S.J., SAK Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Department of Philosophy, Loyola, New Orleans, Louisiana
About the Author
Terence Hoyt has had a passionate interest in understanding what makes the American system “tick” since his college years. This book applies rigorous philosophicalthought arrived at over four decades of writing and teaching. He helps us understand what has gone wrong in American politics, why this has happened, and particular changes that we can make if we want to have our society government by those who care about ethics and the common good and not merely their own self-aggrandizement.