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Flashcards in this deck (202)
  • What are the main topics discussed in Aristotle's book POLITICS?

    • State
    • Constitution
    • Types of government
    • Revolution
    political_science aristotle
  • What is Plato's REPUBIC similar to?

    An encyclopedia covering multiple subjects.

    philosophy plato
  • Why is Aristotle considered the father of political science?

    He provided a systematic study of constitutions and core political issues.

    political_science aristotle
  • How many constitutions did Aristotle study for his theory?

    158 constitutions.

    political_science aristotle
  • What is the best form of government according to Aristotle?

    Monarchy or the rule of 'Philosopher King'.

    political_science government
  • What is the practical form of Monarchy according to Aristotle?

    Tyranny.

    political_science government
  • What does Aristotle classify as the best practicable form of government?

    Polity, or rule of the middle class.

    political_science government
  • What is the second worst form of government according to Aristotle?

    Democracy.

    political_science government
  • What cycle of governments does Aristotle describe?

    Tyranny → Aristocracy → Oligarchy → Polity → Democracy → Tyranny.

    political_science government
  • What does Aristotle suggest about the rule of middle class?

    It is more stable and avoids extremes of wealth and ignorance.

    political_science government
  • How does Aristotle define revolution?

    As any change in governance, even slight.

    political_science revolution
  • What does Aristotle believe about the causes of revolution?

    He conducted an exhaustive study of causes leading to revolution.

    political_science revolution
  • What are the general causes of revolution according to Aristotle?

    • Feeling of inequality
    • Tyranny or aristocracy
    • Injustice
    philosophy revolution
  • What are the two dimensions of justice discussed by Aristotle?

    • Rectificatory Justice
    • Distributive Justice
    philosophy justice
  • What is Rectificatory Justice linked to?

    • Grievance redressal
    • Proportionate penalty
    philosophy justice
  • What does Distributive Justice involve?

    • Distribution of resources
    • Proportionate rewards
    philosophy justice
  • What is Aristotle's principle regarding treatment of equals?

    It is unjust to treat equals unequally.

    philosophy justice
  • What does Aristotle say about treating unequals equally?

    It is unjust to treat unequals equally.

    philosophy justice
  • What are some causes of revolution mentioned by Aristotle?

    • Monarchy
    • Aristocracy
    • Democracy
    • General causes
    philosophy revolution
  • What is a general cause of revolution?

    • Universal passion for power
    • Corruption of ruling classes
    • Extreme inequalities
    philosophy revolution
  • What measures should the state take to deal with revolution?

    • Cultivate obedience
    • Educate in civic virtues
    • Inculcate patriotism
    philosophy revolution
  • How does Aristotle justify inequality in his theory?

    He links it to merit and deserving treatment.

    philosophy justice
  • What is a critique of Aristotle's theory of merit?

    Merit is flawed; it depends on opportunities and circumstances.

    philosophy critique
  • What does Aristotle suggest about masters and slaves?

    Some are masters by nature; treating them equally is unjust.

    philosophy justice
  • What should the state educate citizens in?

    • Civic virtues
    • Patriotism
    politics education
  • What is the main cause of revolution according to Aristotle?

    Inequality

    politics revolution
  • What does Aristotle believe about equality?

    ‘It is unjust to treat equals unequally and unequals equally.’

    politics equality
  • What is Aristotle's view on law?

    ‘Law is a reason without passions.’

    law philosophy
  • What does Aristotle criticize about Plato's Philosopher King?

    Absolute powers can lead to tyranny.

    politics philosophy
  • What does Aristotle say about the authority of statesman?

    It differs from the authority of a master.

    politics authority
  • What is Aristotle's preferred form of government?

    Polity

    politics government
  • What is the relationship between law and reason according to Aristotle?

    Law is a product and manifestation of reason.

    law philosophy
  • What does Aristotle mean by 'unity in diversity'?

    State consists of different families with varying interests.

    politics diversity
  • What are the general causes of revolution according to Aristotle?

    • Passion for power
    • Poor governance
    politics revolution
  • Who is known as the father of political science?

    Aristotle

    politicalscience aristotle
  • What is the core idea of Aristotle's POLITICS?

    Theory of state & constitutions

    politicalscience aristotle politics
  • What significant idea is Aristotle known for?

    Rule of law

    politicalscience aristotle ideas
  • What is Machiavelli's most famous book?

    THE PRINCE

    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What era is Machiavelli associated with?

    The Renaissance

    history machiavelli
  • What does Machiavelli represent in society?

    The emerging Bourgeoisie class

    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What is Machiavelli's view on politics?

    Realist; power view of politics

    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What differentiates Machiavelli's prince from the common man?

    Machiavelli is an elitist

    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What knowledge should a prince have according to Machiavelli?

    1. Human psychology
    2. Knowledge of history
    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What led to the separation of Church and State?

    Machiavelli's ideas on secularism

    politicaltheory machiavelli
  • What did the Renaissance promote?

    Growth of reason and science

    history renaissance
  • What is Aristotle's approach to science?

    Practical and common sense based

    politicalscience aristotle
  • What is Plato's view of the world?

    World of ideas; rejects material world

    philosophy plato
  • What is Aristotle's view of the world?

    Rejects the idea that material world is an illusion

    philosophy aristotle
  • What is the nature of Plato's REPUBLIC?

    Encyclopaedic in nature

    politicaltheory plato
  • How does Aristotle classify constitutions?

    Using a scientific method

    politicalscience aristotle
  • What was Machiavelli's purpose?

    Consolidation of Italy as a nation state

    philosophy machiavelli italy
  • What does 'THE PRINCE' represent in statecraft?

    The best book on statecraft and political realism

    philosophy machiavelli statecraft
  • What is Machiavelli's view on feudalism?

    He was against feudalism and supports emerging capitalist class

    philosophy machiavelli feudalism
  • What does Machiavelli say about politics?

    Politics is not ethics; it is uninspiring but factual

    philosophy politics machiavelli
  • What should a prince understand about politics?

    It is a profession where one must not seek goodness in every aspect

    philosophy politics machiavelli
  • What is Machiavelli's perspective on human nature in politics?

    He believes princes will encounter bad people and should know how to be bad

    philosophy politics machiavelli
  • How was Machiavelli regarded in history?

    One of the most criticized figures in western philosophy

    philosophy machiavelli criticism
  • What is the irony about Machiavelli's criticism?

    Everyone is Machiavellian in politics but few admit it

    philosophy machiavelli irony
  • What paradox does Dunning describe regarding Machiavellianism?

    Everyone is Machiavellian in politics but no one accepts being so.

    politics machiavelli
  • What is Sabine's criticism of Machiavelli?

    Machiavelli's thoughts are narrowly dated and narrowly located.

    criticism machiavelli
  • According to Machiavelli, what is the nature of man?

    Man is selfish, cowardly, fickle-minded, ungrateful, fearful, and avaricious.

    human_nature machiavelli
  • What does Machiavelli believe should guide politics?

    Politics should be based on the understanding of human nature.

    politics human_nature
  • How does Machiavelli describe man's selfishness?

    Man prioritizes his own interests over those of the prince.

    selfishness machiavelli
  • What advantage can a prince exploit from man's cowardice?

    A prince can convince people that only he can provide security.

    cowardice politics
  • What is Machiavelli's view on avarice?

    Man is materialistic and has a love for property.

    avarice machiavelli
  • What does Machiavelli advise about confiscating property?

    A wise prince should execute rather than confiscate property.

    property machiavelli
  • What qualities should a prince possess according to Machiavelli?

    A prince should be clever like a fox and brave like a lion.

    qualities machiavelli
  • How does Machiavelli view the role of goodness in politics?

    Politics is not a profession of goodness; a prince must know how to be bad.

    politics goodness
  • What does Sabine say about Machiavelli's view of human nature?

    Machiavelli's view is one-sided and reflects his experiences in Italy.

    criticism human_nature
  • What qualities are essential for the ruling class according to Plato?

    • Reason
    • Courage
    philosophy plato ruling_class
  • How does Machiavelli's view compare to Plato's?

    Machiavelli expresses similar views explicitly, while Plato's are more ambiguous.

    philosophy machiavelli plato
  • What analogy does Kautilya use for inter-state relations?

    Inter-state relations are like a jungle where the strength of the lion prevails.

    politics kautilya inter_state_relations
  • What is Machiavelli's advice regarding the use of power?

    The prince should use power wisely, prioritizing calculated options over passion.

    politics machiavelli power_management
  • What does Machiavelli say about fear and love in leadership?

    It is better for a prince to be feared than loved.

    politics machiavelli leadership
  • What should a prince do before using force?

    The prince should calculate the use of force and not rely on it as the first option.

    politics machiavelli force
  • What is Machiavelli's stance on ethics in politics?

    Politics should not be judged by ethics; actions may be politically correct but ethically wrong.

    politics machiavelli ethics
  • What does Machiavelli mean by 'the ends justify the means'?

    In politics, achieving aims can justify the means used, regardless of ethical considerations.

    politics machiavelli means_justification
  • How is Machiavelli often criticized regarding ethics?

    He is accused of preaching immorality, but he argues for a dual morality for princes.

    politics machiavelli criticism
  • What does Machiavelli say about the relationship between politics and ethics?

    Politics is independent of ethics; national interest takes precedence over ethical dilemmas.

    politics machiavelli ethics
  • What is Machiavelli's view on the relationship between politics and ethics?

    Politics is independent of ethics. Political actions are not judged by ethical standards.

    politics ethics
  • What does Machiavelli mean by 'dual morality'?

    The morality of the prince differs from that of the common man. The prince cannot sacrifice national interest for personal beliefs.

    morality machiavelli
  • What is the principle of 'ends justify the means' according to Machiavelli?

    If a prince achieves national interest, the means used are justified, regardless of their ethical implications.

    ethics politics
  • How did Gandhi criticize Machiavelli's views?

    Gandhi called Machiavellianism satanic and emphasized the importance of purity of means in politics.

    gandhi criticism
  • What is Machiavelli's stance on religion?

    Machiavelli is not against religion but opposes the corrupt church. He sees religion as a tool for the prince.

    religion machiavelli
  • How does Machiavelli view the role of religion in politics?

    Religion serves as a disciplinary force and can help the prince maintain control.

    politics religion
  • Is Machiavelli considered immoral or amoral?

    Machiavelli is seen as amoral; he allows the prince to ignore ethics for national interest but does not advocate personal immorality.

    morality machiavelli
  • What advice does Machiavelli give regarding foreign policy?

    He advises for an expansionist policy and suggests using a national army instead of mercenaries.

    foreign_policy machiavelli
  • What is Machiavelli's definition of fortune?

    Fortune refers to circumstances beyond one's control, akin to bad luck.

    fortune machiavelli
  • How does Machiavelli suggest a prince should deal with bad fortune?

    A wise prince prepares for bad times, likening them to torrential rains, and should face them with courage.

    fortune machiavelli
  • What does Machiavelli suggest about the nature of fortune?

    Fortune is like women; it embraces brave men. Facing challenges with courage can turn bad times into favorable times.

    machiavelli fortune
  • What form of government does Machiavelli support in 'Discourses'?

    Machiavelli supports a republican form of government, similar to Aristotle's 'Polity'.

    machiavelli discourses government
  • What does Machiavelli recommend where people are corrupt?

    He suggests the rule of a prince who governs with an iron hand.

    machiavelli corruption government
  • What does Machiavelli believe about monarchy and republic?

    Monarchy where necessary, republic where possible; he opposes oligarchy and aristocracy.

    machiavelli monarchy republic
  • What does Machiavelli advise a prince in conflict between nobles and common man?

    The prince should side with the common man, as nobles aspire for power and threaten the king.

    machiavelli advice nobles
  • What is a major criticism of Machiavelli according to Sabine?

    Machiavelli is criticized for his views on religion and ethics, particularly his criticism of the church.

    machiavelli criticism ethics
  • What does Dunning say about Machiavelli's reputation?

    It's ironic that everyone practices Machiavellianism but no one admits to it.

    machiavelli irony reputation
  • What is the defining feature of the modern state according to Hobbes?

    The defining feature is sovereignty, the supreme power to make and enforce laws.

    hobbes sovereignty modern_state
  • What was the state of authority in medieval times?

    Authority was divided and unclear, leading to confusion and chaos.

    medieval authority chaos
  • What does Hobbes say about the rise of capitalism and authority?

    With capitalism, there was a need for a supreme authority to enforce laws and contracts.

    hobbes capitalism authority
  • What are the two traditions of laws mentioned?

    1) Natural law, based on reason. 2) Religious law.

    laws traditions hobbes
  • What is the need for authority in law?

    To ensure the law and enforce contracts.

    law authority
  • What are the different traditions of law?

    1. Natural law: based on reason.
    2. Religious law: based on religion.
    3. Customary law: based on customs.
    4. Positive law: made by the state.
    law traditions
  • What does the theory of sovereignty establish?

    Supremacy of state-made law over other traditions.

    law sovereignty
  • Why should state-made law be supreme?

    It is based on reason, certain, and has punishment power.

    law supremacy
  • What is individualism according to Hobbes?

    Man is prior to state; self-interest is supreme.

    philosophy individualism
  • What is possessive individualism?

    Philosophy of capitalism; man owns what he possesses due to his efforts.

    philosophy capitalism
  • What was Hobbes' main concern during the Puritan revolution?

    Order and security; protection of life.

    history hobbes
  • What is Hobbes' view on the right to life?

    It is an 'absolute right'; includes self-defense.

    philosophy rights
  • What is the function of the state according to Hobbes?

    To preserve life and enforce law; it is sovereign.

    politics state
  • Why should lawbreakers be punished?

    1. To prevent chaos.
    2. To maintain sovereignty in law.
    law punishment
  • What defines a failed state?

    A state that cannot protect life.

    politics failed_state
  • What is Gandhi's criticism of the modern state?

    He criticized only the modern state, not any state.

    politics gandhi
  • Why was Gandhi a critic of the modern state?

    The modern state represents institutionalized violence. Its foundation is in power, not justice. Gandhi believed it punishes law-breakers rather than serving justice.

    philosophy gandhi state
  • Is there a contradiction between Gandhi's individualism and absolutism?

    No contradiction. Individualism requires absolute authority for peace. Hobbes' absolutism protects individuals, linking individualism to utilitarianism.

    philosophy gandhi hobbes
  • What is Hobbes' Resolutive Compositive Method?

    A scientific method for studying politics: observe phenomena, divide into parts, establish cause and effect.

    philosophy hobbes methodology
  • Who influenced Hobbes in developing his methodology?

    Hobbes was influenced by Galileo and Newton, applying principles of physics to politics.

    philosophy hobbes influence
  • What are the two basic motions in Hobbes' theory?

    1. Inclination toward pleasure
    2. Aversion toward pain
    hobbes psychology philosophy
  • What are the implications of man's hedonistic nature according to Hobbes?

    Man is materialistic, individualistic, possessive, fearful, and power-seeking.

    philosophy hobbes human_nature
  • What does Hobbes say about the Social Contract?

    The Social Contract is based on capitalism, symbolizing the relationship between economy, society, and government.

    philosophy hobbes social_contract
  • What is the tradition of 'Social Contract' based on?

    Capitalism

    political_theory social_contract
  • What symbolizes that the state and society are not natural?

    Contract

    political_theory social_contract
  • What is the purpose of the state according to the social contract?

    Increase pleasure and decrease pain

    political_theory state_purpose
  • What are the steps in the social contract method?

    1. Description of human nature
    2. State of nature
    3. Process of contract
    political_theory social_contract
  • What does Thomas Hobbes say about human nature?

    Life is a continuous search for power

    philosophy human_nature
  • What two basic types can human motions be categorized into?

    • Love
    • Aversion
    philosophy human_nature
  • What is the state of nature according to Hobbes?

    A state of war; life is nasty, poor, brutish, and short

    political_theory state_of_nature
  • What is Hobbes' view on the dilemma of desires?

    Unlimited desires vs limited means

    philosophy human_nature
  • What does Hobbes' description of human nature reflect?

    Influence of the capitalist class

    philosophy human_nature
  • What method does Hobbes apply to understand human nature?

    Resolutive compositive method

    philosophy methodology
  • What is the relationship between power and pleasure according to Hobbes?

    Power is a means to obtain pleasure. People compete for power to satisfy their desires.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What does Hobbes say about the state of nature?

    It is a state of war, where life is nasty, poor, brutish, and short.

    philosophy state_of_nature
  • What is the primary function of the state according to Hobbes?

    The protection of life is the state's most important function.

    philosophy state
  • What does Hobbes mean by social contract?

    It is an agreement where individuals transfer rights to the state for security.

    philosophy social_contract
  • What rights do people retain in the social contract?

    People retain the right to self-preservation, which is inalienable.

    philosophy rights
  • What is Hobbes's view on liberty?

    Liberty exists where law is silent, but Hobbes prefers order over extreme liberty.

    philosophy liberty
  • What does Hobbes suggest about fear?

    Fear is foundational to the authority of the state; it is inherent in human nature.

    philosophy fear
  • What are Hobbes's views on authority?

    Authority is based on the fearful nature of man, leading to absolute state power.

    philosophy authority
  • What did Hobbes mean by 'I and fear were born together'?

    It reflects his belief that fear is intrinsic to humanity and influences society.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What choice does Hobbes believe man faces?

    Man can choose between absolute anarchy or absolute authority of the state.

    philosophy choices
  • What does Hobbes say about liberty?

    Liberty is where law is silent. Extreme liberty leads to anarchy, compromising security.

    philosophy liberty
  • What is the supreme value according to Hobbes?

    Security is more important than liberty.

    philosophy security
  • What rights does man retain in the social contract?

    Man retains only the right to life.

    philosophy social_contract
  • What happens if man does not follow the law of the sovereign?

    Man will be punished and asserts his own sovereignty.

    philosophy law
  • How many sovereigns can exist in a territory according to Hobbes?

    There cannot be more than one sovereign.

    philosophy sovereignty
  • What are the two forms of liberty?

    1. Negative liberty - absence of state.
    2. Positive liberty - capacity building by the state.
    philosophy liberty
  • What does Hobbes equate the walls of a bottle to?

    The walls represent laws made by the state, opposing freedom.

    philosophy metaphor
  • What is Hobbes' view on covenants?

    Covenants without sword are nothing but words.

    philosophy law
  • What is the relationship between freedom and capacity?

    Freedom is distinct from capacity; one can have freedom but lack capacity to act.

    philosophy freedom
  • How does Hobbes describe the state of anarchy?

    Anarchy lacks guarantee of rights, including the right to life.

    philosophy anarchy
  • What does Hobbes say about covenants without swords?

    They are nothing but words and have no strength to secure man.

    philosophy law
  • What are the two prominent traditions of law in the western world?

    1. Natural law / Reason
    2. Positive law
    law traditions
  • Which tradition of law does Hobbes support?

    Positive law

    law hobbes
  • What are the weaknesses of natural law according to Hobbes?

    1. Lacks certainty
    2. Fails to establish order
    law hobbes
  • What does Hobbes compare natural law to?

    Articles of peace or Councils of prudence

    law hobbes
  • What is necessary for law to be effective, according to Hobbes?

    The fear of punishment

    law hobbes
  • How does Hobbes describe the state of nature?

    Nasty, poor, brutish, and short.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What is the role of passions in Hobbes' view of man?

    They dominate over reason.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What is Hobbes' view on international law?

    It is weak and lacks power of enforcement.

    law international
  • What type of individualist is Hobbes classified as?

    Methodological individualist

    philosophy individualism
  • What do normative individualists believe?

    There is nothing wrong in being individualist.

    philosophy individualism
  • Who is considered a normative individualist?

    Hobbes

    philosophy individualism
  • What did Hobbes believe about human nature?

    It should not be changed.

    philosophy human_nature
  • What method did Hobbes use to establish that man is utilitarian?

    Resolutive compositive method

    philosophy methodology
  • What does Hobbes say about the right to life?

    It is the absolute right.

    philosophy rights
  • What is Hobbes' view on being self-centered?

    There is nothing wrong with it.

    philosophy individualism
  • Who criticized Hobbes and called Leviathan a useless book?

    Vaughan

    criticism philosophy
  • What was Hobbes' purpose in writing Leviathan?

    To explain why we should obey the state.

    philosophy leviathan
  • Who acknowledged Hobbes as the father of modern political thought?

    Karl Marx

    philosophy political_theory
  • Who is considered the first modern thinker according to the theory of sovereignty?

    Bodin

    philosophy sovereignty
  • What did Bodin define as sovereignty?

    The supreme power of state over citizens.

    philosophy sovereignty
  • What is one criticism of Hobbes regarding his views on the state?

    He was described as an absolutist.

    criticism philosophy
  • Who was the first person to give the theory of sovereignty of the state?

    Bodin

    political_theory sovereignty
  • How did Bodin define sovereignty?

    Supreme power of state over citizens and subjects

    political_theory sovereignty
  • What limitation does Bodin's theory of sovereignty have?

    Sovereignty is only in secular matters; church is supreme in religion

    political_theory sovereignty
  • Who provided the first complete explanation of sovereignty?

    Hobbes

    political_theory sovereignty
  • What was Hobbes' view on the relationship between church and state?

    Church is under the state

    political_theory sovereignty
  • Why was Hobbes' book prohibited by the church?

    It challenged church authority

    political_theory sovereignty
  • Who is known as the father of liberalism?

    John Locke

    political_theory liberalism
  • What does political liberalism advocate for?

    A theory of limited state

    political_theory liberalism
  • What are the three types of rights according to Locke?

    • Customary rights: Based on customs
    • Legal rights: Law is a source
    • Natural rights: Inherent in nature
    political_theory rights
  • What are natural rights?

    Rights given by nature/God; cannot be deprived by state

    political_theory natural_rights
  • What major theories did Locke propose?

    • Separation of powers
    • Principles of toleration
    • Majoritarian democracy
    political_theory locke
  • Which revolution did Locke witness?

    The Glorious Revolution (1688)

    political_history locke
  • What is the title of Locke's major work?

    The Two Treatises on Civil Government

    political_theory locke
  • What did Locke challenge in his 1st Treatise?

    Hobbes' theory of absolute state and Filmer's patriarchal theory

    political_theory locke
  • What was Filmer's view on the state's authority?

    State authority is based on heredity, not social contract

    political_theory filmer
  • How did Locke criticize Filmer's theory of authority?

    Authority of state cannot be absolute; state is not a family

    political_theory locke filmer
  • What is the authority of the father in a family according to Locke?

    The father's authority is absolute because children are completely dependent on him.

    philosophy locke
  • What does Locke's labor theory of property state?

    Property belongs to the person who has put their labor into it.

    philosophy property
  • How does Locke's view on human nature differ from Hobbes?

    Locke presents a balanced view, while Hobbes offers a pessimistic perspective.

    philosophy human_nature
  • What is the state of nature according to Locke?

    It is a state where peace, mutual assistance, and goodwill prevail.

    philosophy state_of_nature
  • What are the characteristics of human nature according to Locke?

    Man is self-centered but capable of caring for others; reason and passion are balanced.

    philosophy human_nature
  • What is the purpose of the social contract in Locke's theory?

    To create a common authority (government) to ensure peace and resolve conflicts.

    philosophy social_contract
  • How does Locke's view of natural rights differ from Hobbes'?

    Locke believes people have natural rights, while Hobbes states there are no rights without the state.

    philosophy rights
  • What does Locke mean by enlightened self-interest?

    Man is self-centered but understands the importance of respecting others' rights.

    philosophy self-interest
  • What are some inconveniences in the state of nature according to Locke?

    Absence of common authority to make, execute, and adjudicate laws.

    philosophy inconveniences
  • What is the purpose of the contract according to Locke?

    Creation of common authority (government).

    philosophy contracts
  • How many contracts are there in Locke's theory?

    Two contracts.

    philosophy locke
  • How many contracts are there in Hobbes' theory?

    Single contract.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What results from Hobbes' single contract?

    Society, State, Government.

    philosophy hobbes
  • What is the state of nature in Locke's view?

    Man was already living in society.

    philosophy locke
  • What does man enter into according to Locke?

    Two contracts.

    philosophy contracts