关键词：托克维尔，自由，平等，民主政治，自由主义
摘 要
本文以研究托克维尔的自由平等思想与民主政治理论为主旨，在问题意识上特别着意于自由与平等的关系、民主政治的潜在危机、以及托克维尔自由主义的特色等要 点。研究中发现托克维尔期盼自由与平等能同时体现于民主政治中，但是他也关心平等(做为一种社会价值)可能会在现实中威胁到自由，因此民主社会必须设法预 防身分平等所带来的若干社会效果，使平等与自由可以完善地结合在一起。依此，他点出了民主社会的潜在危机，包括多数专制、个人主义、中央集权等等。为了对付这些挑战，他呼吁大家要重视出版自由、结社自由、政治参与、地方分权。此外，托克维尔也不像当前自由主义那样强调普遍主义、个人主义、价值中立等，而十分重视民情风尚、公共利益、以及宗教信仰与道德规范对民主政治的重要性。因此，托克维尔的****理论至今仍然充满启示，值得关心民主政治前途的人思考。
Abstract：The paper explores Tocqueville's ideas of liberty, equality and democracy, as well as his unique version of liberalism. Tocqueville believes that a sound democracy should be able to realize the values of liberty and equality, yet he also realizes how the equality of conditions can turn out a threat to individual freedom. To prevent the wicked results of social equality (such as the tyranny of the majority, extreme individualism and centralization), Tocqueville proposes the freedom of publication, freedom of association, political participation, and decentralization. I also find that Tocqueville's liberalism is characterized by an emphasis on social mores, public good, religious belief, and moral doctrines. With this sharp contrast to contemporary liberalism, which underscores universalism, individualism and neutrality, Tocqueville's liberalism remains an intellectual treasure for those who are concerned with the future of liberal democracy.