Modernity Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to modern political theory and social contracts, exploring various theorists from Rousseau to Thoreau.

Modernity

Refers to a cultural, intellectual, and historical period characterized by the rise of individualism, industrialization, and the questioning of traditional authority.

The Social Contract Problem

The dilemma concerning how humans can remain free while living under political authority.

Natural Liberty

The freedom that individuals have in a state of nature, as opposed to civil liberties granted under government.

Civil Liberty

The freedoms and rights granted to individuals by a political authority.

General Will

The collective interest that must guide laws according to Rousseau.

Sovereignty

The concept that power is inalienable and indivisible, ultimately belonging to the people.

Civil Religion

Shared civic beliefs that unify the polity.

Tyranny of the Majority

The danger in democracy where the majority can erode minority rights.

Safeguards in Democracy

Instruments such as free press, federalism, strong courts, and civil associations that protect against tyranny.

The End of History Thesis

Fukuyama's argument that liberal democracy represents the endpoint of ideological evolution.

Historical Materialism

Marx's theory that material conditions shape ideology.

Bourgeoisie

The class that owns the means of production and exploits the proletariat.

Proletariat

The working class that is exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Surplus Value

The difference between what laborers are paid and the value of the goods they produce.

Hegemony

Gramsci's concept of rule through consent rather than coercion.

Civil Society

Institutions such as schools, churches, and media that shape public consciousness.

The Panopticon

Foucault's symbol for surveillance and normalization of behavior.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority.

Fascism

A political ideology that seeks to create a centralized, autocratic government led by a dictatorial leader.

Civil Disobedience

Thoreau's thesis advocating for non-compliance with unjust laws.

Conscience Compliance

The moral stance of following one's conscience against unjust laws.