II.-An-Overview-to-Political-Philosophy

HISTORY, EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICS

ORIGINS OF POLITICS AND STATE

The Platonic origin of politics posits that politics is created by man, with the concept of 'Polis' (city-state) being a social construct based on Plato's ideas. In contrast, the Aristotelian view considers politics a naturally occurring phenomenon stemming from human necessity, where the polis results from men’s pursuit of virtue. According to Aristotle, good governance and peace are achieved by acting according to virtue, with the state existing to serve its citizens by promoting the best type of government for the interests of the polis. Politics is closely associated with virtue and happiness, suggesting that a well-organized city-state leads to more content citizens.

ANCIENT CONCEPT OF VIRTUE

Virtue is defined by Plato as "an organized soul which pursues rationally the ends which are good for all human beings."

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORISTS

Key theorists such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau provide important insights into political theory. Their concepts include Anarchism, Rational Choice Theory, and themes of Individualism and Freedom.

ORIGINS OF POLITICS/STATE

According to Hobbes, without government or a polis, anarchy and chaos prevail. People organize and agree under a social contract to prevent chaos by surrendering some freedom. In contrast, Locke argues that the polis emerges from rational choice; humanity's rational decision to coordinate and cooperate creates a social contract. Rousseau, on the other hand, posits that the state of nature is not chaotic but represents the freedom and power of individuals, necessitating a governing entity to regulate this inherent power.

BEST FORMS/TYPE OF GOVERNMENT

Political institutions should ideally be organized under the governance of a few knowledgeable individuals who can effectively govern. Aristotle provides a typology of regime: ruled by one (Monarchy as good, Tyranny as bad), ruled by few (Aristocracy as good, Oligarchy as bad), and ruled by many (Polity as good, Democracy as bad). The concept of meritocracy is also emphasized. Important references include Polybius's "Histories" and Cicero's "Roman Republic".

HOW TO BEST SERVE THE GOVERNMENT – QUALITIES OF A LEADER

Key thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Niccolò Machiavelli stress the importance of leadership qualities. Stoicism, for example, emphasizes focusing on what is within one’s power while avoiding corruption of the soul. Machiavelli advocates for discipline and suggests that in governance, morality may be secondary as noted in his famous phrase, "The ends justify the means" from "The Prince". Other influential thinkers include Sun Tzu, author of "Art of War", and Kautilya, author of "Arthashastra".

LEGITIMACY: WHO TO CHOOSE AS A LEADER?

Key theorists in this domain include Hobbes, Lasswell, and Dahl. The Divine Right Theory suggests that leadership is considered a God-given right. Power could stem from various bases: Charismatic Power, Coercive Power, Intellectual Power, Pecuniary Power, and Positional Power.

HOW MUCH POWER SHOULD A SOVEREIGN HOLD AND EXERCISE?

Key thinkers like Jean Bodin and John Stuart Mill explore the concept of sovereignty. Absolute Sovereignty is defined as power that must be absolute, unlimited, enduring, and indivisible. The Harm Principle advocates for individual interests over governmental authority and calls for checks and balances.

LAW AND ORDER

Key figures such as St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Thomas Aquinas highlight the significance of law in society. Without law, humanity relies on Divine Grace, where moral and natural law are essential to avoid sin.

POLICY AND IDEOLOGY

Philosophical dilemmas exist between desires vs. self-interest, with ideas rooted in Epicureanism vs. Stoicism. Other theories include Nietzsche's Nihilism/Existentialism and David Hume's Skepticism.

HOW MUCH POWER SHOULD A GOVERNMENT HAVE?

Key thinkers such as John Stuart Mill champion Liberalism, while Joseph Stalin represents Authoritarianism.

ECONOMIC POLICY

Economic theories are significant, with Adam Smith associated with Capitalism, Max Weber with Socialism, and Karl Marx with Communism.

SOCIO-POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES

Progressive Liberalism is associated with John Stuart Mill, while Conservatism is represented by Russell Kirk.

SOCIAL “ISMS”

Feminism encompasses the gender equality and women's rights movements, whereas Racism and Apartheidism signify discrimination based on race. This has historical context linked to apartheid and slavery, resulting in discriminatory practices and suffering for people of color. The Civil Rights Movement focused on the struggle for equality in civil rights, especially for African Americans, with Nelson Mandela as a key figure advocating against apartheid. Other forms of discrimination include Sexism, Ageism, and Ableism, each highlighting the inadequacies experienced by marginalized groups.

REFERENCES

  • Heywood, A. Political Theory: An Introduction. London: Palgrave, Ch. 3.

  • Easton, D. (1981) The Political System. Chicago: Chicago University Press.

  • Aristotle (1948) Politics, ed. E. Baker. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

  • Crick, B. (1993) In Defence of Politics. Harmondsworth: Penguin.

  • Lasswell, H. (1936) Politics: Who Gets What, When, How? New York: McGraw-Hill.

  • Millett, K. (1970) Sexual Politics. London: Granada.

  • Marx, K & Engels, F. (1970) Communist Manifesto. Harmondsworth: Penguin.