09_06-10_06 - Western Political Thought Flashcards by Aastha Godara

What is the origin of the term political?

The term political comes from the Greek word ‘Polis’ representing city state/state.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does Garner define as the central subject of political science?

Political science as a subject which begins and ends with a state.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the primary function of political theory?

Explanation of the world of politics.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the determinants of voting behavior in India according to political theory?

The phenomena of caste & religion.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are normative theories in political science?

Philosophical theories that are predominantly philosophical in nature.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the meaning of the term ‘science’ in the context of political science?

The term science comes from the Greek word ‘Episteme’ which means knowledge.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does political philosophy study?

Political ideas/concepts like justice, liberty, equality.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the difference between ideology and philosophy?

Ideology is for consumption of masses; philosophy is for intellectuals.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is a classic in political thought?

A work known for its depth of ideas and timeless relevance.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Why is it difficult to understand classics in political thought?

Due to the depth of ideas and the need for a nuanced understanding.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the role of language in understanding political texts?

Language is constantly evolving, which can lead to misunderstandings.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the technique called for interpreting texts?

Hermeneutics.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the historical/contextual approach in studying classics?

An approach that incorporates factual, causal, and evaluative components.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Who recommended the historical/contextual approach?

Sabine.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the critical evaluation of the historical approach?

Supporters of textual approach argue it limits understanding to context.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the textual approach in studying classics?

Understanding the text without referring to the context.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does Leo Strauss suggest for understanding texts?

Read the text repeatedly and refer to other works of the same author.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the three myths criticized by Skinner regarding textual approach?

Myth of foundationalism
Myth of coherence
Myth of timelessness

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is prolepsis?

Making predictions before the actual occurrence of an event.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does Derrida’s linguistic approach suggest?

Texts don’t have fundamental meaning; meanings are given by the readers.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Who is known as the Father of Political Philosophy?

Plato.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does the term philosophy mean?

Love for knowledge.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Where is the origin of philosophy traced to?

Ancient Greece.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What differentiates mythology from philosophy?

Mythology is based on faith; philosophy is based on logic.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What was a major contributing factor to the development of philosophy in Ancient Greece?

Freedom of speech and expression in a democratic society.

What is the significance of trade routes in Ancient Greece?

They allowed for the exchange of ideas with other civilizations.

Who are the Pre-Socratic philosophers?

Naturalists who tried to explain universal laws.

What did Heraclitus believe about the nature of existence?

That it is a world of change.

What did Parmenides assert about existence?

That there is something permanent (being) despite change.

What did Pythagoras contribute to philosophy?

He combined naturalism and spiritualism, emphasizing reason and logic.

What are the two methods of gaining knowledge according to Pythagoras?

* Empiricism * Rationalism

What is the unique feature of philosophy during the classical age?

Shift from naturalism to humanism.

What was the unique feature of the philosophy of the classical age?

Shift from naturalism to humanism.

What is the central focus of humanist philosophy?

The world of humans.

What are the more relevant philosophical questions according to the classical age?

* What constitutes a good life? * How can humans lead a good life?

Who is known as the father of ethics?

Socrates.

What does ethics aim to determine?

How humans should lead a good life.

What is the Socratic assertion regarding virtue?

'Virtue is knowledge.'

What does the Sophist tradition prioritize?

Individualism.

According to the Sophists, what constitutes a good life?

Having money and power.

What is the purpose of knowledge according to Sophists?

Happiness.

How do Sophists view the connection between knowledge and happiness?

Knowledge is a means, happiness is the end.

What was the role of rhetorics in Sophist teachings?

To sway public opinion in a democracy.

Who is associated with the school of skepticism in philosophy?

Gorgias.

What does skepticism imply about knowledge?

There is no absolute knowledge; anything can be challenged.

What is the implication of Gorgias' belief regarding human reasoning?

There is a limit to human reasoning.

What is Protagoras known for in philosophy?

Father of humanism.

What does Protagoras mean by 'Man is the measure of everything'?

Good or bad is relative and varies from person to person.

What ethical theory is associated with Protagoras?

Ethical relativism.

What is consequentialist ethics?

The idea that the morality of an action is judged by its outcomes.

What are the two major theories studied in ethics?

* Deontology * Consequentialism

What does deontology emphasize?

Be honest because honesty is good in itself.

According to Socrates, what is the true source of knowledge?

Logical reasoning (rationalism).

What method did Socrates develop for teaching?

Elenchus.

What is the main idea behind Socratic questioning?

To leave the person in a state of confusion and encourage self-examination.

What did the Oracle of Delphi declare about Socrates?

He is the wisest man.

What is Socrates' view on wrongdoing?

No one commits wrong knowingly; it is due to ignorance.

What is the purpose of life according to Socrates?

Happiness comes with virtue.

What is the relationship between virtue and knowledge according to Socrates?

To lead a good life, one should have true knowledge.

What significant change did Plato undergo in his life?

He shifted from politics to philosophy after the death of Socrates.

What form of government did Plato criticize?

Democracy.

What did Plato propose as the ideal government?

Rule of the philosopher king.

What is the central theme of Plato's 'Republic'?

The constitution of the ideal state.

Who had the biggest influence on Plato?

Socrates.

What is the Socratic assertion regarding self-knowledge?

'Know thyself.'

What is the significance of Socrates' statement 'Unexamined life is not worth living'?

It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection.

What was Socrates' method of teaching often described as?

Irritating his students.

What did Socrates mean by stating he is a 'Gadfly'?

He provoked thought and discussion among the people.

09_06-10_06 - Western Political Thought Flashcards

(68 cards)