Common Sense: A Political History

(Harvard University Press)   This book explores the political phenomenon of common sense — the wisdom of ordinary people — beginning with the aftermath of England’s Glorious Revolution. Rosenfeld demonstrates that common sense has been used to foster demagoguery and exclusivity as well as popular sovereignty.   Rosenfeld is an associate professor of history at the University of Virginia.

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PAW’s May 2026 cover, featuring a photo of an orange flower.
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May 2026

The Attentionauts; Philip Stoltzfus ’79 and Lebanese American University in wartime.