Political Philosophy

What is the main idea of Communist Manifesto?

history as a fight/struggle between social classes

what does Marx say about freedom under capitalism?

capitalism says that people are free, but the working class really does not have a choice, they have to work

What is alienation in relation to work according to Marx?

work loses its meaning

What does Marx say about revolution?

eventually workers will become aware of the situation and rise above to a classless society

what is Gramsci’s idea of hegemony?

the ruling class not only controls money but shapes what people think is normal

ruling ideas are the ideas of the ruling class

people in power control a lot of things, which in turn keeps them in power

what is the proletariats unique position?

they have nothing to lose but their chains, and everything to gain if they unite

what does Arendt mean by the “banality of evil”?

evil can come from ordinary people who follow orders without thinking

what does Arendt say about personal responsibility?

even in bad positions, people should think for themselves and take responsibility

what is the difference between guilt and responsibility?

guilt is feeling bad for something you did, responsibility requires thinking about what is right before acting

who is most likely to resist evil systems?

people who don’t follow the crowd and are independent thinkers

what is arendt’s main message?

people must remain morally aware and never stop thinking, even in bad political situations