Political Philosophy - Flashcards

Philosophy

The love of wisdom; the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Political Philosophy

A type of philosophy that examines the best political order and the nature of political life.

Socrates' Belief

Philosophy is about taking care of our souls by seeking knowledge and understanding.

Value Judgments in Political Philosophy

Decisions should be based on reason, not personal opinions.

Political Community

The most complete form of human society, as seen in the polis (city-state).

Political Regimes

Different systems of governance within a polis, including monarchy, democracy, and oligarchy.

International Relations (IR)

An academic field studying the relationships between states and non-state actors.

Allegory of the Cave

Plato's metaphor illustrating how perception can be distorted, similar to how leaders may misinterpret reality in IR.

Plato’s Tripartite Soul

The three parts of the soul: Reason (Wisdom), Spirit (Courage), Appetite (Temperance).

Plato's Political Regimes

Aristocracy (rule by the wise), Monarchy (rule by a virtuous leader), and others that describe just and unjust governance.

Aristotle’s Rule of Law

Laws that should be fair, apply to everyone, and prevent corruption.

Cicero's Commonwealth (Res Publica)

A community united by laws and dedicated to the common good.

Stoicism

A philosophy emphasizing control over reactions, virtue as the highest goal, and seeking inner peace.

Aquinas’ View on Faith and Reason

Both come from God and cannot contradict each other.

Divine Grace

A gift from God that strengthens the soul to live virtuously and achieve salvation.

Three Freedoms of Mill

Freedom of Thought, Freedom of Action, and Freedom of Association.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative

A moral rule that states one should only act in a way that could be a universal law.

Marx’s Critique of Capitalism

Capitalism is exploitative, creating inequality and leading to eventual collapse.

Historical Materialism

Marx's concept that history is shaped by economic factors and class struggles.

Utilitarianism

The ethical theory that suggests actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Hobbes’ Social Contract

An agreement where people give up some freedoms in exchange for security and order.