Lecture 6 : Introduction to political philosophy Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is political philosophy concerned with?
The nature, extent and justification of government, as well as the role of the individual in society
It raises questions about the source of political authority, and the rights and duties of governments and citizens.
Define absolutism in political philosophy.
The doctrine and practice of an unlimited sovereign authority to which citizens are absolutely obliged and whose power is not regulated by another authority
(Finn et al. 2012: 52)
What is anarchism?
The view that the state ought to be abolished because it is unnecessary, undesirable and/or harmful
(Finn et al. 2012: 52)
What does aristocracy refer to?
A form of government in which those deemed the ‘best’ rule
(Finn et al. 2012: 52)
What is classical liberalism?
A doctrine that emphasizes the rights and freedoms of individuals and therefore promotes a limited government
(Finn et al. 2012: 52)
Define communism.
A political and economic system in which citizens share property and wealth based on need; private ownership does not occur
The idea of communism was set forth by Plato in The Republic in the 300s B.C.
What is democracy?
A form of government in which the people rule, either directly by themselves or indirectly through a system of elected representatives
(Finn et al. 2012: 52)
What is distributive justice?
A form of justice related to the distribution of goods among members of a commonwealth
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
What does meritocracy mean?
A form of government in which rulers are chosen based upon demonstrated talent and ability
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
Define political capitalism.
An economic and political system in which the economic and political elite cooperate for their mutual benefit
(Holcombe 2015: 41)
What is political libertarianism?
A doctrine that seeks to maximize individual liberty and to minimize, or even abolish, the state
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
What is retributive justice?
A form of justice concerned with the punishment of crimes
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
What is social contract theory?
A theory that justifies the government’s authority by reference to an explicit or implicit contract made by the members of a given society
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
Define socialism.
A political and economic theory advocating the common ownership of the means of production and of the distribution of resources
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
What is a theocracy?
A form of government in which God or a deity (or an official representative of the divine) is recognized as the legitimate ruler
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
What characterizes totalitarianism?
A political system in which people have nearly no independent social or civil rights and are completely dominated by a powerfully encompassing government
(Dowding 2011: 670)
What is a tyrant?
A leader who abuses political power to an extreme extent
(Finn et al. 2012: 53)
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a form of government in which the people rule.
democracy
Fill in the blank: _______ is a doctrine that emphasizes the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Classical liberalism
True or False: Anarchism supports the continuation of the state.
False
Which political philosophy concepts are in play in Vandana Shiva’s argument regarding ‘divide and rule’?
To be discussed in Tutorial 5
