Western political thought flashcards

Erasmus’ core political value

Moral virtue and Christian humanism

Erasmus’ view of human nature

Humans are imperfect but capable of goodness through education

Erasmus’ view on war

War is irrational, immoral, and usually unnecessary

Erasmus’ ideal ruler

A moral, educated, merciful leader who rules by example

Erasmus’ biggest criticism of rulers

They pursue power and glory instead of virtue and peace

Erasmus vs Machiavelli (core disagreement)

Erasmus prioritizes morality; Machiavelli prioritizes effectiveness

Hobbes’ state of nature

A condition of constant fear and violence without government

Hobbes’ view of human nature

Self-interested, fearful, and rational

Hobbes’ solution to the state of nature

Social contract creating an absolute sovereign

Why people obey the sovereign (Hobbes)

To ensure peace and self-preservation

Hobbes’ view on liberty

Liberty must be limited for security

Hobbes vs Erasmus

Hobbes trusts authority; Erasmus trusts moral education

Machiavelli’s core concern in The Prince

Acquiring and maintaining power

Machiavelli’s view of human nature

Self-interested, fickle, and unreliable

“Better to be feared than loved” means…

Fear is more reliable than affection for maintaining power

Machiavelli’s view on morality

Morality may be sacrificed for political necessity

Virtù vs Fortuna

Skill and adaptability vs luck and chance

Machiavelli vs Hobbes

Machiavelli focuses on strategy; Hobbes focuses on order

Main political system favored in Discourses

Republics

Machiavelli’s view of political conflict

Conflict can strengthen liberty

Machiavelli’s solution to corruption

Strong institutions and laws

Difference between The Prince and Discourses

Ruler-focused vs institution-focused

Machiavelli’s view of citizens

Citizens should be active, armed, and politically engaged

Machiavelli (Discourses) vs Hobbes

Machiavelli values liberty; Hobbes prioritizes security

Who believes morality should guide politics?

Erasmus

Who believes fear is necessary for political order?

Hobbes and Machiavelli (The Prince)

Who trusts institutions over individuals?

Machiavelli (Discourses)

Most pessimistic about human nature

Hobbes

Most optimistic about human improvement

Erasmus

Who separates politics from morality most clearly?

Machiavelli (The Prince)