This book attempts to present a detailed and critical account of the
thought of Antoine-Louis-Claude Destutt de Tracy (1754-1836). Major
importance has been placed on the analysis of his published writings.
Biographical details have been provided only to the extent necessary to
elucidate the circumstances of the composition and publication of his
writings: in particular, the intellectual and political currents in
France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The book has
three main themes. The first is Tracy's philosophy of ideologie, which
was concerned to clarify concepts and provide guarantees of reliable
knowledge. The second is Tracy's attempt to elaborate a science of
social organisation, la science sociale, whose objective was to
recommend institutions and policies which could maximise social
happiness. The third theme is Tracy's development of liberal and
utilitarian approaches to the fields of politics, economics and
education. This study began life as a doctoral dissertation at the
London School of Economics and Political Science. I am grateful for the
guidance of my supervisor, Professor Ken Minogue, and for helpful
comments from Professor Maurice Cranston, Professor Jack Lively, and Dr
John Hooper.