Poli Philosophy Exam 2

What is Physis?

Refers to that which is given by nature ("State of Nature")

What is Nomos?

The laws, practices, or structures shaping and governing human behavior ("civil society" or "civilization")

What distinguishes humans from animals according to Plato?

Humans make society, animals do not

What is Eros?

The desire for completion and wholeness, which is itself rooted in a desire for the beautiful and the good.

What does "Democracy" translate to in English?

"The People" + "Power"/"Rule"

What is Democracy?

Rule (Power) by the People

What are the 4 different types of Democracy according to Aristotle?

- Democracy based on the principle of equality

- Democracy based on property qualification

- Democracy based on nobility

- Democracy based on citizenship

What is the "Fifth" type of Democracy described by Aristotle?

Rule by the public (the public, rather than the law, is sovereign)

What does the term "Oligarchy" translate to in English?

"few" + "Rule"/"Command"

What is Oligarchy?

Rule/Command by the few

What were the 4 types of Oligarchy described by Aristotle?

- Property Based (Lower Qualification)

- Property Based (Higher Qualification)

- Hereditary (Rule of Law)

- Hereditary (No Rule of Law)

Why was Plato suspicious of Democracy?

Plato did not feel the general population had the appropriate wisdom to govern.

What are the 6 Constitutions described by Aristotle?

- Monarchy (Correct) : Tyranny: (Deviant)

- Aristocracy (Correct) : Oligarchy (Deviant)

- Polity (Correct) : Democracy (Deviant)

What distinguishes "Correct" from "Deviant" Constitutions?

Correct Constitutions rule for the common good, Deviant Constitutions rule for Self-Interest.

What does the term "Sovereignty" Translate to in English?

"Super" + "Reign"