Krause, S.R. Civil Passions: Moral Sentiment and Democratic Deliberation. (2008). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

W hat is the appropriate role of passions in democracy? Sharon Krause’s Civil Passions adds to the debate on this highly contested question in democratic theory. Faculty and other professionals whose work includes deliberative forums or related forms of engagement will find this book to be an important contribution addressing the critical question of how to reconcile impartiality with passions. While many would contend that deliberation within a liberal democracy must leave out passions so rational judgments can be made, Krause contends that passions can and should contribute positively to the process. She argues that passions and moral sen-timent are already involved in practical reasoning and should be acknowledged as such. Krause situates her argument between those who hold a neo-Kantian position stating that reason alone motivates individuals to act or make decisions, and those who perceive the role of passion and emotion in motivation and decision-making. She states tha