American Political Thought

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that America political philosophy historically has centered on man?s relationship to society, which provides a standard by which to analyze and judge existing political institutions and relationships. The author believes that conservatives are skeptical of power and the human desire to use it because they believe that power corrupts even the most freedom-loving people. The paper reviews the Progressive Era, the period between 1890 and 1913, in which American leaders introduced many reforms that benefited the individual and society.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Ethical and Methodological Roots of Political Thought
Political Schools of Thought
Conservatism
Neo-conservatism
Neoclassical philosophy
Populism
The New Democrats
Environmentalists and the Green Party
The Colonial Period
Revolution and Constitution
The Progressive Era
The Legacies of the New Deal and New Deal Liberalism
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"For example, the ethical utilitarian believes that the good is characterized by generating the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Accordingly, in the political realm, the utilitarian will support those institutions that aim to secure the greatest happiness for the majority of people. On the other hand, an ethical deontologist, who believes that the highest good is served by man's application of duties, will acknowledge those institutions that best serve the employment of duties. An ethical relativist would support a plurality of institutions, whereas an ethical objectivist would oppose those that are perceived as lacking a universally morally proper purpose."

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