Political Theory (The Basic Goods)

political theory

study of the fundamental principles and institutions of politics

Leviathan (Hobbes)

A foundational work in social contract theory, where Hobbes argues for a strong central authority to prevent chaos and maintain order.

social contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules and norms in exchange for protection and social order.

Second Treatist (John Locke)

A significant work in political philosophy where Locke outlines his theories on government, natural rights, and the importance of consent in the formation of political societies.

law of nature

A moral principle that governs behavior and is based on reason, serving as a foundation for natural rights and justice. For Locke, it is peaceful and for Hobbes it is chaos.

political philosophy

The study of fundamental questions regarding government, justice, rights, and the role of individuals in society, as well as the theories and ideas that influence political systems.

concepts vs. conceptions

concepts are general and abstract terms while conceptions specify features of a concept more concretely.

empirical disagreement

accepting shared principles but disagreeing about how the empirical world can realize these principles

normative disagreement

conflicts over what is the right princple and what one is the correct one to apply in a given situation.

ideology

a set of principles and values about the political world that don’t have a foundation

Plato’s Cave

political scientists view the cave not just as a story about reality, but as a metaphor for how governments and societies control what citizens believe to be true.

intrinsic goods

valuable in and of themselves, such as happiness or knowledge.

instrumental goods

valuable as a means to achieve intrinsic goods, such as wealth or power.

basic political goods

those goods essential for a just society, including justice, freedom, and equality.

institutions

human structures governed by rules and that have a functional organization in which each member play a particular role.

freedom

the state of being free, enabling individuals to act according to their own will while respecting others' rights.

negative freedom

the absence of interference from others or the state, allowing individuals to make choices without restraint.

positive freedom

the ability to act upon one's free will and achieve personal goals, often requiring support or resources to realize one's potential.

false conciousness

a term in Marxist theory referring to a distorted perception of one’s actual social or economic situation, which prevents individuals from recognizing their true interests.

democracy

a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

liberalism

a political philosophy advocating for individual rights, freedom, and equality, emphasizing limited government intervention and the protection of civil liberties.

technology

the use of knowledge to create tools and increase our power

excellence

the goal of the desire for respect or recognition

virtues

qualities deemed morally good or desirable in a person, guiding ethical behavior and decision-making.

vices

qualities that are considered morally bad or undesirable, often leading to unethical behavior and decision-making.

well-being

when someone can look back at their life and see it as something they would do again

hedonistic

a philosophical perspective that considers pleasure or happiness as the highest good and primary aim of human life.

practical life

a way of living that emphasizes action, experience, and the pursuit of practical goals over theoretical ideals.

contemplative life

a way of living that prioritizes reflection, contemplation, and the pursuit of intellectual or spiritual fulfillment over practical engagement.

pious life

a way of living that emphasizes devotion to religious duties and moral obligations, focusing on the cultivation of virtues and a relationship with the divine.

self-realization

the process of achieving one's fullest potential and understanding one's true self, often through personal growth and self-discovery.

atonism

a philosophical doctrine that stresses the importance of the autonomous self and the realization of individual characteristics, often emphasizing personal freedom and authenticity. This can then lead to too much seperation and a need of communitarian politics to connect society again.

materialism

a belief that physical matter is the primary reality and that all phenomena, including consciousness, are a result of material interactions.

monism

the philosophical view that only one basic substance or principle constitutes reality, often ignoring the distinctions between mind and matter.

pluralism

the acknowledgment and acceptance of diversity in various aspects of society, including culture, religion, and political beliefs, promoting coexistence and dialogue among different groups.