Social & Political Philosophy Study Guide

Flashcards covering definitions, key concepts, and debates within social and political philosophy.

Social Philosophy

Deals with how individuals exist and interact within social groups.

Political Philosophy

Focuses on the role and power of the State and its relationship to individuals.

Does the group/state serve the individual, or does the individual serve the group/state?

What is the central question of social & political philosophy?

Social Contract Theory

Individuals give up radical freedom to join civil society for safety and mutual benefit.

State of Nature (Hobbes)

Life is insecure; everyone is an enemy.

Civil Society

Requires enforcement (government) to ensure order and survival.

Ethical Egoism

The idea that serving one’s own interest is morally justified.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to individuals as autonomous beings (not granted by the state).

What is the government’s role regarding natural rights?

To protect natural rights.

Hobbes' view on the state

Strong state necessary to avoid chaos of the state of nature.

Locke's view on the state

State’s primary duty is to protect natural rights; failure justifies replacing it.

How does property originate according to the lecture?

Property comes from mixing labor with unowned resources.

How does value arise?

Value arises through labor and trade.

What is the government’s role related to property?

To protect property rights, not to interfere with voluntary exchanges.

Capitalism

Private ownership, driven by self-interest. Emphasizes free markets and voluntary exchange.

Marxism

Critiques capitalism as exploitative; proposes classless society to eliminate worker-owner conflict.

Alienation

Workers feel disconnected from products in industrial systems.

Direct Democracy

All members participate.

Representative Democracy

Practical in large groups.

Critiques of Democracy

Majority rule can suppress minority rights; not all voters are equally informed.

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), Judicial (Supreme Court)

Electoral College system

Pros and cons regarding fair representation.

First Amendment

Restricts government, not private entities.

Public space vs. private domain

Rights differ.

Social Justice

Focuses on equality, non-discrimination, and rights for all.

Corporate Ethics

Should businesses advocate for social causes?

Affirmative Action

Should past injustice justify preferential treatment?

Debate surrounding Affirmative Action

Merit vs. diversity.

Reparations

How far should restitution go (generationally)?

Questions surrounding Reparations

Who pays and who benefits?

Equality of Opportunity

Everyone gets a fair chance.

Equality of Outcome

Everyone ends up with the same results.

Capitalism emphasizes…

Individual freedom, self-interest, inequality as natural.

Socialism emphasizes…

Advocates for redistribution, equal shares, community over self.

Moral Dilemmas and Social Responsibility

Who is responsible when things go wrong?

Product Liability

Should manufacturers be liable for misuse of their products?

Bystander Effect

Do bystanders have moral duties to act against wrongdoing?