Key Thinkers Flashcards
(49 cards)
What does Benedict Anderson mean by “imagined communities”?
Nations are socially constructed through shared symbols and media, even though citizens will never know most fellow members.
How does Anderson view the role of media in nationalism?
Print media (especially newspapers) creates a shared narrative, fostering national identity.
What does Anderson mean by nations being “limited and sovereign”?
Nations have defined borders and hold supreme authority within them.
What is Appiah’s philosophy of cosmopolitanism?
Global citizenship with respect for cultural difference and open dialogue.
How does Appiah view identity in a globalized world?
Identity is complex and often involves multiple, sometimes conflicting, aspects.
What is Appiah’s critique of racial identity?
Race is a social construct that limits autonomy and fuels racism.
What is Eriksen’s view on globalization and cultural identity?
Globalization creates tension between global forces and local identity/autonomy.
What does Eriksen mean by “overheating”?
Rapid global change causes crisis, alienation, and loss of control locally.
What are “clashing scales” according to Eriksen?
Global decisions often conflict with local needs, creating disenfranchisement.
What is dependency theory?
Underdevelopment is caused by exploitation from developed nations in capitalism.
How does Frank challenge development narratives?
He rejects the idea that poor nations are just behind; he blames historical exploitation.
What is the “metropolis-satellite” relationship?
Resources flow from poor “satellites” to rich “metropolises,” keeping poor countries poor.
What is the “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”?
A problem-posing education model encouraging critical thinking and social change.
What is Freire’s critique of traditional education?
He calls it the “banking model,” where students passively receive knowledge.
What does Freire mean by “praxis”?
The union of reflection and action for empowerment.
How does Hobbes describe the “state of nature”?
A violent, chaotic condition driven by fear and self-interest.
What is Hobbes’ social contract theory?
People give up freedoms to a sovereign for order and protection.
What is Leviathan about?
Justifies a strong state to prevent collapse and ensure security.
What is the “clash of civilizations” theory?
Future conflicts will be cultural, not ideological or economic.
What are criticisms of Huntington’s theory?
It’s seen as Islamophobic and overly simplistic.
How does Huntington view Western civilization?
It’s in decline and needs strengthening against other civilizations.
What are natural rights according to Locke?
Life, liberty, and property in the state of nature.
How does Locke define the social contract?
A government formed by consent to protect individual rights.
What does Locke say about civil disobedience?
It’s justified when government violates rights.
