POLI100 Class Lecture 3

Lecture Overview

  • The lecture covers key historical influences on the founding of liberal democracy, focusing on the Middle Ages, John Locke, and Montesquieu.

The Middle Ages and the Founders' Lessons

  • The founders of liberal democracy studied the Middle Ages to understand what not to replicate in their own governments.

    • Key Takeaways from the Middle Ages:

    • Need for separation of church and state to ensure liberty and rights are protected.

    • Overcoming feudalism is essential; rigid hierarchies hinder societal freedom.

    • The idea of hereditary nobility and absolute monarchies should be abandoned; politics should not serve religion.

The Rise of Individualism and the Protestant Reformation

  • The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries marked a period of increased individualism influenced by:

    • Protestant Reformation (1517): Initiated by Martin Luther's 95 theses; promoted individual relationships with God, reducing reliance on clergy.

    • Enabled individuals to read and interpret the Bible, fostering a sense of independence and personal faith.

The Enlightenment

  • The Enlightenment, dubbed the Age of Reason, prioritized science and reason over tradition and religious dogma.

    • Encouraged societies to seek progress and improve living conditions rather than focusing solely on the afterlife.

John Locke's Influence on the Founders

  • John Locke (English philosopher) profoundly impacted the United States' founding principles.

    • Natural Rights: Locke articulated that humans possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

    • These ideas are evident in the Declaration of Independence and the founding documents of the U.S.

    • Example of Locke's influence:

    • The phrase "pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration was at least partly derived from Locke's emphasis on property rights.

    • It was argued that using "happiness" was intended to include a broader segment of society beyond just property owners.

Natural Law vs. Positive Law

  • Natural Law: Universal moral principles that govern all people, discoverable by reason and ordained by God.

    • Examples of natural laws:

    • No one should harm another's life, liberty, or possessions.

  • Positive Law: Human-made laws, which must adhere to natural law.

    • If positive laws contradict natural laws, they are considered illegitimate.

    • People have the right to revolt against illegitimate laws.

State of Nature and the Need for Government

  • Locke's view of the State of Nature:

    • A pre-governmental society governed by natural law, where people had rights, including property.

    • A problem arises due to a lack of impartial judges for disputes:

    • Example: Joe and Emerson with Granny Smith apples illustrates potential conflicts and natural rights violations.

    • Disputes lead to a State of War, requiring government for conflict resolution.

Consent to be Governed

  • Locke emphasized that political authority derives from consent of the governed.

    • Citizens consent to relinquish some rights (such as judging disputes, punishing transgressors) in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

    • This consent serves as a cornerstone of political legitimacy.

Montesquieu's Contributions

  • Montesquieu (French political philosopher) introduced the concept of the Separation of Powers:

    • Unlike previous thinkers, he connected separation of powers to individual liberty.

    • Liberty is defined as an individual's perception of safety and the absence of arbitrary power.

    • Without clear separation between legislative, executive, and judiciary powers, arbitrary governance threatens liberty.

Classical Liberalism vs. Classical Republicanism

  • Classical Liberalism:

    • Characterized by a limited scope of government that primarily protects individual rights (life, liberty, property).

    • Associated with thinkers like Locke, Hobbes, Adam Smith.

  • Classical Republicanism:

    • Advocates for government responsibility in promoting the common good.

    • Examples include prohibiting harmful behaviors, like gambling or substance abuse, for the welfare of society.

    • Suggests that government should not only protect natural rights but also take an active role in improving societal welfare.

Discussion and Questions

  • Students engage in a discussion regarding consent to be governed and the implications of their civic duties.

  • Questions raised:

    • Do we consent to be governed?

    • What constitutes genuine consent?

    • Is government only responsible for protecting rights, or should it also promote societal welfare?

Conclusion

  • Locke's philosophy significantly shaped the Founders' perspectives on governance, liberty, rights, and the role of government.

Poli lecture 3