POLI 352: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms from Ancient and Medieval Political Thought.

City-State

A city-state is a political unit that consists of a city and its surrounding territory, often functioning like an independent country.

Citizenship

The status of being a legal member of a city-state, typically involving rights and responsibilities, and often attained by birth.

Metics

Resident foreigners in a Greek city-state, who were not granted full citizenship rights but were free and could live and work in the city.

Slavery

A system in which individuals are owned by others, depriving enslaved people of their freedom and rights; prevalent in ancient Greek society.

Philosopher King

A ruler who possesses both a love of wisdom and a desire to govern; Plato believed such rulers should lead the ideal state.

Political Philosophy

The study of questions regarding power, justice, rights, laws, and the role of individuals in society; significantly developed by ancient Greek thinkers.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making, as seen in the ancient Greek city-states.

Natural Law

Cicero's concept that there is a universal law arising from nature, governing human behavior and morality, based upon reason.

City of God

St. Augustine's concept describing the heavenly kingdom opposed to the earthly city, signifying a divine society versus one animated by human flaws.

Justice

According to Plato, justice is doing what is right for each class of society, corresponding to their nature and function.

Political Ideals of Athens

Ideas centered around citizenship, public participation, and the value of democracy in governance, as upheld by Athenian society.

Socratic Method

An educational technique of dialogue and questioning used by Socrates to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.

Civic Virtue

The cultivation of habits important for the success of the community, emphasizing moral and ethical responsibilities of citizens.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which power resides with a small number of people, often the wealthy, leading to inequality in governance.

Tyranny

A form of government where a single ruler holds absolute power, often utilizing oppressive measures against the populace.

Aristocracy

A form of government where power is held by the nobility or elite class, often emphasizing inherited power and privilege.

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives or direct voting.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle's concept of human flourishing or achieving the good life, pivotal in his political philosophy.

Civic Knowledge

Understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, essential for participating effectively in governance.

Republic

Plato's ideal state characterized by philosopher-kings, structured social classes, and a focus on justice as a primary virtue.