Research for this book began as a series of essays on Mill’s socialism and ambivalence about progress, which were then expanded into my doctoral dissertation at Drew University. My gratitude goes to my advisors at Drew, Erik Anderson, Jonathan Rose, and Ken Alexo, who counseled, critiqued, and, most of all, encouraged me through that project. I also wish to acknowledge my friend Luis Campos, who decamped for the University of New Mexico before I could ask him to serve on my committee. Luis’s interests range far wider than his expertise in the history of science, and our many conversations reflected his marvelous curiosity and knowledge. Thanks also go to James Miller for his friendship, advice, and many conversations about liberalism, democracy, and just about everything else. Rob Goldstein put me on my guard against prolixity and challenged me with his insistent determinism. Arthur Rose’s vibrant intellectual openness has always kept me on my toes. Richard Wolin encouraged my return to graduate studies, and was very generous with advice and support along the way.
In my first go-round in graduate studies at Brandeis University more than forty years ago, I was privileged to study with the late George Armstrong Kelly, Mark Hulliung, and Alasdair MacIntyre. I am grateful to all of them, and want to note the enduring impact of Professor MacIntyre’s year-long seminar on the philosophy of the social sciences.
Many friends and family have contributed to this project in direct and indirect ways. They include Larry Aronson, Linda Aronson, Don Austin, Iris and Phil Berman, Cecilia Cancellaro, Peter and Theresa Chu, Steve Eisenberg, Lloyd Eubanks, James and Mary Francoeur, Sandy French, Tim and Susan Gill, Richard Goldsmith, Michael Jorrin, Joan Kapfer, Peter Katz, Ruth Klue, Andrew Kronengold, Sue Marcus, Lauren and David Meisels, Jane Newton, Suzanne Nutt, Ellen and Michael Opell, Bruce Rafel, Keith Safian, Jan Saltiel, Walter Schauben, Joanne Sockle, Claudia Wagner, Susan Wolfson, and Steve Yablon. Special thanks go to my children, Eric Eisenberg and Julia Gonzales. I could not be prouder of them. To my late mother, Ruth Eisenberg—professor, consultant, entrepreneur, poet, author, an inspiration to all who knew her—I hope that this book brings me a step closer to all that you accomplished.
Without my wife, Gail Safian, this book would never have gotten started, let alone completed. Her support, encouragement, and insistence that I get on with it when I was in a rut were instrumental in seeing it through to the finish. Gail also provided her extraordinary editing skills, pointing to the need for clarity when the text was obscure, and cutting the redundant and superfluous. This book and all of my love are dedicated to her.