I and S Study Guide

Definitions/Examples

Eastern Philosophies

Ideas: How could you put these philosophies into a form of government?

1.      Daoism (Taoism): A philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (or Tao), which is the fundamental principle that is the source of everything. It promotes simplicity, humility, and compassion.

Example: The teachings of Laozi, who wrote the "Tao Te Ching," influence practices like Tai Chi and meditation in Chinese culture.

2.      Confucianism: A philosophy founded by Confucius that focuses on ethics, family loyalty, respect for elders, and social harmony. It emphasizes the importance of education and moral development.

Example: Confucian ideals shape social relationships and education systems in countries like China and Korea.

3.      Legalism: A philosophy that advocates for strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order in society. It believes that people are inherently selfish and require strong governance.

Example: Legalism was the foundation of the Qin Dynasty in China, where strict laws were enforced to unify the country.

Western Philosophies

1.      Hobbes: Thomas Hobbes was a philosopher who believed in the necessity of a strong central authority to avoid chaos and conflict. He argued that humans are naturally selfish and require a social contract to maintain order.

Example: His ideas are reflected in the governance structure of modern states that prioritize security and order, such as authoritarian regimes.

2.      Socrates: A classical Greek philosopher known for his method of questioning and dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. He emphasized the importance of ethics and the pursuit of knowledge.

Example: Socratic questioning is used in educational settings to encourage students to think critically and articulate their thoughts.

3.      Locke: John Locke was a philosopher who believed in natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. He argued that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and that people have the right to overthrow unjust governments.

Example: Locke's ideas influenced the Declaration of Independence in the United States, emphasizing individual rights and government accountability.

Theories of Government

1.      Divine Right Theory: This theory suggests that a ruler's authority comes directly from God. For example, in ancient times, kings believed they were chosen by God to rule, like King Louis XIV of France.

2.      Social Contract Theory: This theory states that people agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and order from the government. An example is the United States Constitution, where citizens agree to follow laws in return for safety.

3.      Force Theory: This theory argues that governments are formed through force, where one group takes control over others. A historical example is the rise of empires like the Roman Empire, which expanded through military conquest.

4.      Evolutionary Theory: This theory suggests that governments evolved from family structures, where the oldest male would lead. An example is how tribal leaders in early human societies made decisions for their groups.

3 Types of Power

1.      Low Quality Power (Violence): This is power gained through fear and force. An example is a bully who uses threats to control others.

2.      Medium Quality Power (Wealth): This is power that comes from having money. For instance, a wealthy business owner can influence local politics by funding campaigns. Elon Musk

3.      High Quality Power (Knowledge): This is power derived from education and expertise. For example, a scientist who discovers a cure for a disease holds significant influence in health matters. Albert Einstein

5 Ways to Get Power

1.      Reward Power: This is the ability to give rewards. For example, a teacher can give extra credit to motivate students to perform better.

2.      Expert Power: This is power gained from having specialized knowledge. A doctor has expert power when advising patients on health issues.

3.      Coercive Power: This is the ability to punish. For instance, a coach may bench a player who doesn't follow team rules.

4.      Referent Power: This is power based on admiration or respect. A popular student may have referent power among peers because others want to be like them.

5.      Legitimate Power: This is power granted by a position or role. For example, a principal has legitimate power over school policies and decisions.

Please read the article that was posted in Teams for further information about Daoism, Legalism, and Confucianism.