PHL 105: Meaning, Nature, and Origin of Politics and Political Philosophy

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, nature, origins, key thinkers, and core concepts of politics and political philosophy from PHL 105.

Polis

The Greek word meaning "city-state" from which the term "politics" is derived, historically referring to the affairs of the city-state and how it was governed.

Politics

The activities associated with the governance of a state or society—especially debate or conflict to achieve power—involving collective decision-making and resource allocation to achieve social order and development.

Politics (Harold Lasswell, 1936)

Defined as "who gets what, when, and how," placing primary emphasis on the distribution of resources and power.

Politics (David Easton, 1953)

Defined as "the authoritative allocation of values for a society."

Zoon Politikon

A Greek term famously used by Aristotle describing humans as "political animals," signifying that political life is a natural and necessary part of human existence.

Origin of Politics

Traced to the earliest human societies when group living required organization, cooperation, and regulation; initial governance relied on customs, traditions, or elders' authority before evolving into formal political systems.

Political Philosophy

A branch of philosophy that investigates fundamental questions concerning the state, government, justice, rights, liberty, and the ideal political order, addressing why and how political power should be exercised.

Political Philosophy (Leo Strauss)

Characterized as "the attempt to replace opinion about the right order of political things by knowledge."

Normative Discipline

A characteristic of political philosophy meaning that it focuses on what ought to be rather than merely what is, dealing directly with ideals such as justice, equality, and liberty.

Rational Inquiry

An aspect of political philosophy that relies on reasoned thought and argumentation to analyze political systems and concepts.

Evaluative Function

The core function of political philosophy by which political institutions, practices, and policies are assessed in terms of moral values.

Plato’s "Republic"

Considered the first major work in political philosophy, originating in ancient Greece, which examined the meaning of justice and the concept of an ideal state.

Aristotle’s "Politics"

A foundational Greek philosophical work that analyzed different forms of government and highlighted the essential role of the state in achieving the good life.

Practice vs. Theoretical Foundation (Conclusion)

Politics constitutes the practical management of power and resources within a community, whereas political philosophy provides the theoretical framework used to evaluate and guide those practices.