Social Contract and Political Philosophy Concepts

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to the Social Contract theory, political philosophy, and related critiques.

Social Contract (Hobbes)

A foundation of Hobbes' political theory, asserting that to avoid chaos, individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for security enforced by a sovereign (Leviathan).

Leviathan

In Hobbes' theory, the great sovereign power necessary to maintain peace and prevent civil war.

Justification of Rebellion (Hobbes)

In Hobbes' view, rebellion is unjustified as it threatens the security provided by the Leviathan.

Social Contract (Locke)

Locke's theory positing that government is a mutual agreement among individuals to form a society, to protect their rights.

Justification of Rebellion (Locke)

Rebellion is justified when the government fails to protect the rights of the people, and under conditions of a breach of trust.

State of Nature

A concept in political theory describing the condition of human beings before the establishment of organized society and government.

Lockean Property

Locke's idea that property rights are derived from an individual's labor and that these rights are fundamental to human freedom.

Negative Rights

Rights that require others (typically the government) to abstain from interfering with individual actions; they emphasize freedom from interference.

Categorical Imperative (Kant)

Kant's principle that mandates individuals act according to maxims that can be universally applied.

Transcendental Idealism

Kant's philosophical framework positing that reality as we perceive it is shaped by our experiences and cognitive structures.

Universalism in Politics

Kant's concept that although the Categorical Imperative is universal, it allows for diverse interpretations of the good life.

Rawls' Original Position

A hypothetical scenario in which individuals choose principles of justice without knowledge of their personal circumstances, promoting fairness.

Veil of Ignorance

A method used by Rawls to ensure impartiality in the formulation of justice principles by omitting knowledge of personal biases.

Public Reason

Rawls' concept of a shared framework for discourse that helps facilitate an Overlapping Consensus on justice among diverse beliefs.

Checks and Balances (Montesquieu)

A government principle ensuring that no single entity holds total power, thereby moderating government actions and protecting liberty.

Three Powers (Montesquieu)

The separation of government powers into Executive, Legislative, and Judicial to prevent tyranny and ensure accountability.

Three Waves of Feminism

Phases of feminist movements addressing different issues: the suffrage movement, workplace rights, and intersectionality and empowerment.

Identity Politics

The political approach that emphasizes the interests and perspectives of specific social groups characterized by shared identity.

Feminist Critiques of Liberalism

Arguments by feminists that traditional liberalism overlooks gendered experiences and injustices, challenging its inclusivity.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state holds total authority over society, emphasizing control over individual freedoms.

Liberalism

A political ideology centered on individual liberties and rights, promoting democracy and personal freedom.