Montesquieu and the Role of Climate in Politics

Research Paper # 45863

Philosophy
Political Science
Political Science > Political Theory

An examination of how climate can affect the political order, according to Montesquieu.

3,995 words () | 0 sources | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

An in-depth examination of the role of climate and how it leads a nation either to freedom or despotism. This paper takes seriously the discussion of Montesquieu in "Spirit of the Laws" and provides an in-depth analysis of his arguments and how the negative effects of climate may be reversed.

From the Paper:

"Among the most controversial parts of Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws has to do with the relation of climate to the laws. According to Montesquieu, if characters and passions vary according to climate, the laws ought to take this into account (231). In part three of The Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu gives his opinion as to how people living in various parts of the world are affected by climate, and how as a result, laws differ to take these differences of character into account. He ultimately concludes that although climate is a major factor that may lead a nation to despotism, the wise legislator can, in many cases, take steps to counteract its effects."

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APA Citation:

Montesquieu and the Role of Climate in Politics (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-Montesquieu-and-the-Role-of-Climate-in-Politics/45863

MLA Citation:

"Montesquieu and the Role of Climate in Politics" 15 January 2012. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Research-Paper-Montesquieu-and-the-Role-of-Climate-in-Politics/45863>