Comparative Governments in World History, Vocabulary Set #2

Socrates Apology

Text written by Plato in which Socrates argues that the unexamined life is not worth living

Aristotle on the Good Life

The Good Life consists of active engagement in politics and routine application of virtuous behavior

The political community and the state must foster the well-being of its members and help them achieve this good life

Morals

systematic beliefs about what is right vs. wrong

Ethics

systematic beliefs about how one ought to act

Virtue

a quality deemed to be morally good and valued as a principle of ethical behavior

Virtue Ethics

Eudaimonism asserts that virtues lead to human flourishing, achieved through excellent reasoning. Virtues are judged based on admired traits through common-sense intuitions, and the ethics of care emphasizes caring relationships, primarily explored by feminist thinkers.

Laws Of Manu (Manusmriti)

An ancient Hindu legal text and constitution that discusses the caste system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) and their societal roles, influencing Hindu kingdoms beyond India.

The Law

Law commands citizens on rights and responsibilities, delineating what they must do, cannot do, and defining entitlements. It questions whether order comes from enforced rules or can emerge naturally.

The Rule of Law

The Law should rule, establishing an impartial framework in liberal societies where law stands above all powerful entities.

Natural Law

law is, or should be, rooted in a moral system.

Positive Law

laws can take whatever form the sovereign wants. It is law because it is obeyed

Power

A relationship; an exercise of control by one person over another

Authority

a means of exercising power in which one person can influence the behavior of another. based on a perceived 'right to rule' and brings about compliance through a moral obligation on the part of the ruled to obey.

Legitimacy

Rightfulness, or the quality that transforms naked power into authority. A belief in the right to rule.

Mencius (Mengzi)

The most renowned Confucian philosopher after Confucius, who advocated for the inherent goodness of all people and advised rulers on reforms, exemplified by the 'Child in the Well' story, illustrating innate compassion.

Eudaimonia

happiness, contentment, and fulfillment; it's the name of the best kind of life, which is an end in itself and a means to live and fare well.