Political Philosophy Midterm I

who are the philosophers this midterm is on + when + where

1. plato → 427-347 BCE → classical greece

2. aristotle → 384-322 BCE → late classical greece → 43 yrs af plato

3. al farabi → 872-950 CE → islamic golden age → 1200 yrs af aristotle

4. machiavelli → 1469-1527 CE → renaissance italy → 600 yrs af alfarabi

PLATO - justification of government

 justified if it orients people toward justice, virtue, and the Good (Republic; Apology).

PLATO - obligation to obey law

Crito: “persuade or obey” (tacit consent), even when verdict seems unjust.

PLATO - definition of justice

Justice = each doing their own work, harmony of classes (Republic).

PLATO - best government

Kallipolis: philosopher-kings rule; auxiliaries defend; producers provide. Democracy criticized as unstable → tyranny.

PLATO - who should rule 

Philosophers (know the Form of the Good). Masses = ignorant (Cave).

PLATO - view of democracy

Dangerous: too much freedom breeds disorder → tyranny (Republic Book VIII).

PLATO - role of deception

NOBLE LIE: A lie that is presented to the

people by leaders to maintain unity and peace

• it is ok to lie to maintain peace

PLATO - limits on authority 

Strong obedience norm in Crito (persuade or obey); authority justified by ordering toward the Good/education.

Authority justified by alignment with justice.

PLATO - human nature

Most are ignorant (Cave shadow prisoners); need philosopher guidance.

PLATO - morality in politcs

Politics inseparable from morality; rulers must aim at the just.

PLATO - history or reason?

Prefers abstract reason; builds ideal city in theory (Republic).

ARISTOTLE - Justification of Government

Government judged by service to the common good; “virtue is in the middle” → balance principle, not pure democracy.

justified if it promotes flourishing (eudaimonia).

ARISTOTLE - obligation to obey law

Citizens should obey law, which is above individuals; obedience linked to common good.

ARISTOTLE - definition of justice

Justice = ruling for common good; injustice = ruling for private interest (Politics).

ARISTOTLE - best governemnt 

Polity/mixed constitution guided by the large middle; avoid dominance of any class.

ARISTOTLE - who should rule

Citizens “in the middle” (balance principle) → lawful mixed rule; not pure rule of many or few.

ARISTOTLE - view of democracy

Democracy is a deviant form (rule of poor for self-interest), but elements can be incorporated in a polity.

ARISTOTLE - role of deception

Does not advocate deception; stresses rule of law and honesty in constitutions.

ARISTOTLE - limits on authority

Limits = rulers must act for common good; deviants (tyrants, oligarchs) illegitimate.

ARISTOTLE - human nature

Humans = rational, social, but unequal (natural slaves)

ARISTOTLE - morality in politics

Politics = cultivation of virtue in citizens; morality central.

ARISTOTLE - history vs reason

Uses empirical + theoretical study of actual constitutions. = rbased on observation

what is aristotle’s polity?

• Combines elements of oligarchy (rule of the few wealthy) and democracy (rule of the many poor).

• Best when the middle class is large enough to hold balance → avoids corruption by extremes.

AL-FARABI - Justification of Government

Government necessary because humans can’t achieve perfection alone; justified if it leads to true happiness (sa‘ada).

AL-FARABI - obligation to the law

Citizens must follow First Ruler’s guidance; dissent undermines the virtuous city.

AL-FARABI - definition of justice

Justice = ordering the city toward virtue/happiness; contrasts with ignorant/immoral/erring regimes.

AL-FARABI - best Government

Virtuous city (al-madina al-fadila) ruled by philosopher-prophet (First Ruler) uniting wisdom + imagination.

AL-FARABI - who should rule

1) Prophet-legislator;

2) Philosopher-legislator(s);

3) The people (democracy) if higher options unavailable.

AL-FARABI - view of democracy

Democracy not ideal; ordinary people need symbolic guidance, not direct rule.

“Democracy might not be that bad”: freedom/equality → diversity → space where some virtue can thrive; next-best if virtuous regime unavailable; may cultivate virtue.

AL-FARABI - role of deception

Allows analogies/metaphors for masses (not outright lies) to make truths accessible

AL-FARABI - limits on authority

Authority legitimate only if oriented toward happiness; false rulers misuse power.

AL-FARABI - human nature

Humans incomplete alone; need community + wise ruler for perfection.

AL-FARABI - morality in politics

Morality = essential; ruler must lead people to true happiness.

AL-FARABI - history vs reason

Reason conveyed through religion/imagery to guide the many (philosopher-prophet).

MACHIAVELLI - Justification of Government

Government justified only by effectiveness and stability; aim is preservation of power, not moral ends.

The Prince is a manual for rule, not a moral justification of any regime; focus = preserving/strengthening the state.

MACHIAVELLI - Obligation to Obey Law

No moral duty to obey law; laws are instruments of power, not binding principles.

MACHIAVELLI - Definition of Justice

Justice irrelevant; measure of politics = effectiveness, not fairness.

MACHIAVELLI - Best Government

Machiavelli does not argue for monarchy; he tells how to rule, not who should rule.

MACHIAVELLI - Who Should Rule

does not stop and say, “I think principalities are the best form of government.”

• assume the existence of a prince (because he’s writing advice to Lorenzo de’ Medici, a ruler of Florence).

MACHIAVELLI - View of Democracy

Not theorized; pragmatically, the people are safer allies than nobles for a prince seeking stability.

MACHIAVELLI - Role of Deception

Deception essential: rulers should break promises, fake virtue, and lie if needed.

MACHIAVELLI - Limits on Authority

Consequentialist—use fear, avoid hatred; outcomes justify actions when effects are good.

MACHIAVELLI - Human Nature

Humans selfish, fickle, ungrateful; must be ruled firmly.

judge appearances/outcomes; manage perception deliberately.

MACHIAVELLI - Morality in Politics

Morality irrelevant; ruler must appear moral but act immorally when necessary.

MACHIAVELLI - History vs Reason

Historical/practical case method; advice for rulers under uncertainty.