Political Theories and Human Nature

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions from the lecture on political theories and human nature.

CATHARINE MACAULAY

An Enlightenment thinker who believed humans are rational and capable of virtue.

Human Nature (Macaulay)

Humans are rational, equal, and capable of virtue, corrupted by bad institutions.

Democratic Republic

Political solution proposed by Macaulay that involves elections, accountability, and balanced powers.

EDMUND BURKE

A political philosopher who argued that humans are limited by emotions and guided by tradition.

Human Nature (Burke)

Humans are limited, emotional, and influenced by habit and prejudice.

Constitutional Monarchy

Burke's political solution advocating for strong traditions and slow reform.

HANNAH ARENDT

A philosopher who saw humans as plural and capable of action, emphasizing the importance of public life.

Human Nature (Arendt)

Humans are plural and capable of action ('natality').

Public Actor

Subject in Arendt's thought; gains freedom through speaking and acting with others.

IRIS MARION YOUNG

A feminist thinker who emphasized the social positioning of individuals shaped by group identities.

Human Nature (Young)

Humans are shaped by group identities such as race, gender, and class.

Group-differentiated Citizenship

Young's political solution promoting participatory democracy and inclusion for marginalized groups.

BHIKHU PAREKH

A political thinker focusing on the importance of cultural identities and intercultural dialogue.

Human Nature (Parekh)

Humans are cultural beings formed by their traditions and values.

Multicultural Democracy

Parekh's political solution that envisions a community of communities.

DONNA HARAWAY

A feminist scholar who explores the concept of the 'cyborg' and the interconnectedness of identity.

Human Nature (Haraway)

Humans are hybrids connected with technology, animals, and nature.

Situated Knowledge

Haraway's idea that all knowledge arises from specific social positions.

ESMÉE MURDOCK

A black feminist environmental philosopher concerned with race, ecology, and colonial history.

Human Nature (Murdock)

Humans are ecological beings connected to land and the environment.

Decolonial Environmental Justice

Murdock's political solution focused on community and land-centered governance.