Abstract This paper examines the politicaltheory of Niccolo Machiavelli. The author deals with his theory and writings on the use of dictators during war times and the citizens rights.
From the Paper "Niccolo Machiavelli's ideology toward popular government can be seen as him being against a democratic form of government. He says that dictatorship works best because ordinary people do not have the ability to govern themselves. A dictatorship is necessary because thee Prince is able to instill fear in the people the threat of punishment exists which makes it easier to govern. Dictatorship allows the Prince to decide what is in the best interests of its citizens. "Men love at their own free will, but fear at the will of the Prince"A wise Prince must rely on what is in his power and not on what is in the power of others.? (Mc Donald, 1986)"
Tags: discources, machiavelli, political, theory, dictatorship, power, govern
Abstract This paper analyzes and discusses the theories of both Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes in an effort to better understand politicaltheory. The paper uses and explains direct quotes.
Outline:
Abstract
Machiavelli's and Hobbes' Perceptions of the Ruler
Political Philosophies of Machiavelli and Hobbes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Hobbes stands in contrast to Machiavelli, at least on the surface, in terms of his theories on who should rule the state. Whereas Machiavelli advocates the ideas of absolute power, submission among subjects, and the gaining of authority through a display of force, Hobbes seems to be more attuned to the ideas of the nature of man to be essentially free, and the ruling of the state by a democratic type of a body, rather than a solitary dictator or despot. For example, one can consider the following quote from Hobbes: "The right of nature... is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life." (Harrison, 2003, p. 67). In other words, Hobbes is saying that every person has within them certain rights, yearnings and liberties; as such, the individual is entitled, and indeed should, pursue their own interests and not be oppressed by rulers. Likewise, rulers should not attempt to force subjects into submission or to rule by intimidation or fear- for Hobbes, power must be earned and maintained through a level of fairness (Rogers, et al, 2000). Within this scope, the ruler should be motivated, in Hobbes' opinion, by serving the interests of the people over whom they govern. Likewise, the citizens would be involved in the political process, and the ruler, having earned the right to rule, would have the duty to effectively lead with conscience rather than sheer force."
Tags: state-, authority, power, chaos, force, politics, political
Abstract This paper outlines the central idea of Machiavelli's politicaltheory as it is presented his book, "The Prince". The paper talks about what prompted Machiavelli to write the book, the four things Machiavelli said a prince must possess in order to conquer lands and become more influential, Machiavelli's philosophy on being evil and practicing violence, Machiavelli's views on how a leader should receive advice, and how an interloper should be treated.
From the Paper "Machiavelli's political theory is found in his book, "The Prince" which offers sound political and military advice to those in power. He was deeply concerned about his country and wanted to find out what was it that had turned France into a great country. France was united under one Prince and had been one highly successful country. Machiavelli closely studied the French monarchy and some other great nations in ancient history and decided that if Italy wanted to succeed the same way, it was required to follow some of the principles described in his book "the Prince". It is important to make it clear that most of the views expressed in his book take readers by surprise, in fact they might shock him because of their rather audacious nature. But they are likely to leave a reader wiser and more equipped with skills needed to run a country because they are not based on emotions but common sense."
Abstract The paper discusses the critical race theory, cultural theory and postmodern theory. The paper compares and contrasts these social and politicaltheories and concludes that they have each been important in explaining social ills and proposing solutions.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Critical Race Theory Overview of Cultural Studies
Overview of Postmodern Theory Social and PoliticalTheories Compared and Contrasted
Conclusion
From the Paper "Those who prescribe to critical race theory believe that racism is not aberrational, but is the daily experience of most people of color in the United States, serving a material and psychic purpose for those in the majority (Seidman, 2004). The obvious outcome is that racism is difficult to correct, because large majority segments of the population have little incentive to eradicate it. Molefi Kete Asante was the main proponent of Afrocentrism, which holds that "the African experience has produced its own unique values and societal perspectives" (Seidman, 2004, p. 232). He challenged the Eurocentric bias of Western knowledge and challenged Eurocentrism."
Abstract A discussion of negative freedom and whether or not it is a "persuasive" politicaltheory. The paper explores the concept of negative theory, what it means, opposition to the theory, and other related politicaltheories. The paper looks at the writings of John Stuart Mill, Robert Hobbes and many other political commentators of the past and present.
From the Paper "The concept of freedom is a core value of society, many believing that a greater amount of freedom will lead to a greater and more fulfilling lifestyle. As a result the concept has been subject to a range of philosophical discussions, in particular the balancing of freedom and order. For example, by limiting freedom through laws which prohibit certain actions such as murder, greater freedom is enjoyed by other members of society. Mill (1982) even suggested that intervention by the state is only viable where one persons actions would cause harm to another. Negative freedom is the dominant concept of liberals, distinguished to positive freedom by Berlin (1969) in his article "Two Concepts of Liberty". Negative freedom refers to "the sphere of action within which an individual is left alone to do or be whatever he or she may want to do or be" (Carter, 2002). Through close examination of this concept, it's interpretation and opposing views of freedom, it's validity as a "persuasive" theory can be inferred."
Abstract The topic discussed in this article is identity politics. Essentially, the writer looks at the question of how identity politics drive new social theories like feminism, critical race theory and post-colonial theory. A number of topics are examined ranging from social organization and gender to oppression.
From the Paper "A number of newer social theories have developed that are driven by identity politics. Some of the most important of these social theories are feminism, critical race theory, post-colonial theory, lesbian and gay theory. What all of these social theories share is a new understanding of identity. In African Identities Anthony Appiah states, 'There are, I think, three crucial lessons to be learned from these cases. First, identities are complex and multiple and grow out of a history of changing responses to economic, political and cultural forces, almost always in opposition to other identities'."
Abstract This paper analyzes whether the politicaltheory of negative freedom is a persuasive argument. It looks at the underlying concept of negative freedom and its interpretation, and the opposing views of negative freedom. It concludes that although a flawed argument, it is supported by solid theories, therefore is persuasive.
From the Paper "The concept of freedom is a core value of society, many believing that a greater amount of freedom will lead to a greater and more fulfilling lifestyle. As a result the concept has been subject to a range of philosophical discussions, in particular the balancing of freedom and order. For example, by limiting freedom through laws which prohibit certain actions such as murder, greater freedom is enjoyed by other members of society. Mill (1982) even suggested that intervention by the state is only viable where one persons actions would cause harm to another. Negative freedom is the dominant concept of liberals, distinguished to positive freedom by Berlin (1969) in his article "Two Concepts of Liberty". Negative freedom refers to "the sphere of action within which an individual is left alone to do or be whatever he or she may want to do or be" (Carter, 2002). Through close examination of this concept, it's interpretation and opposing views of freedom, it's validity as a "persuasive" theory can be inferred."
Abstract This paper will compare Toennies and Durheim with respect to what each implies or suggests as to the kind of politics possible today in complex modern societies. In doing so, a comparison of each man's analysis of the specific factors will determine the kind of politics each man takes to be possible. By analyzing these differing theories on politics in today's world, a well-balanced comparison can be achieved between these two men.
Abstract Politics is a part of our lives, whether or not we are politically active, and this is precisely why numerous thinkers have written on the topic. This paper examines three of these political thinkers: Aristotle, an Ancient Greek philosopher; Ibn Khaldun, an Arab historian, philosopher, and sociologist; and Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian political philosopher. The paper shows that, while these three thinkers come from different times and cultures, all recognized the importance of the relationship between the government and citizens, effectively stressed qualities of leadership as the key to the stability of that relationship, but offered very different interpretations of those qualities.
From the Paper "Aristotle, the first of the three political philosophers to be discussed, was idealistic. According to Fred Miller in "Aristotle's Political Theory," Aristotle attempted to establish a theory of ideal government. The basis of his thoughts was that the citizens were the most important aspect of a political system. Hence, the satisfaction and happiness of a people with their form of government determined whether that government will be a successful and stable one or not. According to Aristotle, the ability of a government to protect its people and to ensure that the majority of the citizens are satisfied, depends upon the leader himself. That leader, if he is to be a good one, has to have the quality of virtue (Miller)."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the political beliefs of the two philosophers and theorists Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It looks at how Hobbes' politicaltheory is illustrated in the Leviathan which discusses the matter, form and power of a commonwealth. Hobbes was a social contract theorist who believed that a commonwealth was "but an artificial man?. It shows how Locke was also a social contract theorist who believed that the purpose of government was to protect the lives of subjects.
Outline
Hobbes
Locke
The Most Fundamental Differences
Weaknesses and Strengths
From the Paper "Though both of these philosophers are social contract theorist there are some small differences in their ideals. Hobbes believed that once subjects gave consent to be governed they must abide by the laws set forth by that sovereign. He believed that subjects should be certain that the sovereign is going to do everything in his power to preserve their lives before they transfer their rights and wills to him. Once the rights and wills of the subjects are tranfered the sovereign becomes the voice of the commonwealth and his authority must be respected--the sovereign was the supreme power."
This paper discusses three politicaltheories, liberalism, realism, and historical structuralism, as systematic approaches to the analysis of decision making, economics, and policy.
Abstract This paper explains that Liberalism, which has its origins in the classical economics of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, sees the world in economic terms and seeks to pacify the political environment through trade. The author points out that Realists, formalized in the 19th century, instead seek to address political matters as they stand in terms of perceived national interest. Historical Structuralism, an anthropological approach that first became popular in France in the 1960s, holds that the very social context in which decisions are made dictates their nature, as a society's "deep structure" dictates the nature with which it sees the world.
Table of Contents
Liberalism
Realism
Historical Structuralism
From the Paper "Realism isn?t always dictated by the self-interest of individuals; leaders may also act in the strategic interest of their country. This is seen as the justification for policies dictating the American "containment" of communist influences following the establishment of the communist government in China. It is easy to see most spot political decisions, which have little or no bearing upon the lives of policy makers, as being the result of strategic thinking designed to reach an optimal outcome."
Abstract This paper explains that, born into a time when self-serving aspirations in the name of the public welfare were the norm of public life, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote his two discourses on public government as a means of demonstrating the difference between moral and immoral governments. The author points out Erasmus taught that the moral being, which is the key to the understanding of a man's character, is the same measure that should be applied to the measure of a political leader. The paper relates that, writing in the middle 20th century, Cohn's work holds the skeptical perspective, which typifies his period by focusing on how prejudices and hatreds among the poor, especially against the Jews, the clergy, and the wealthy, were used by religious leaders in conjunction with the cultural apocalyptic expectations in order to give rise to mass movements that resulted in much mayhem and bloodshed.
Table of Contents
Niccolo Machiavelli
Erasmus
Norman Cohn
Conclusion
From the Paper "At the heart of the struggle across Europe was class struggle between rich and poor, between landowners and farmers who worked the land, or between poor and clergy. These ongoing struggles developed frequently into all out wars. Cohn follows the misapplied beliefs of the church, but fails to move beyond the tragic examples of those who would lead in the name of religion for their own purposed, to build a philosophy regarding how religious ethic can, and should form the mind of man in order to teach him how to lead for the benefit of others. Cohn does an excellent job of describing this process in detail and deals with much of the mysticism and religious beliefs surrounding it."
Abstract This paper details the various circumstances that led up to the 1945 nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. The writer of this paper explores several theories as to why Bombardier Ferebee and the rest of his crew were ordered to Japan to drop the bomb that killed 180,000 people. Some theorists claim that America's display of weapons superiority was to show the rest of the world that it would not surrender to futile conflict. Others claim that President Truman approved the bombings to stop further death and destruction of innocent U.S. civilians and soldiers, following the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor. This paper also discusses President Roosevelt's decision to provide funding for atomic science research which shows foresight on the part of the government in recognizing a possible means to a swift conclusion to the war. The rumors that Germany was also developing the same technology may have provided the powerful catalyst to action by the Americans.
From the Paper "The hope for diplomacy was also waning; Secretary of War Henry J. Stimson recalls: "high American officials had made some...unpleasant remarks about the Emperor, and it did not seem wise...that the Government should reverse its field too sharply; too many people were likely to cry shame." An article by Karl Compton published shortly after V-J Day entitled "If the Atomic Bomb Had Not Been Used" served as a reassurance to all American people and especially to Truman that what they had done was the right thing to do. In the article Compton questions several Japanese military officials to get their perspectives on the events, and finds that they were not confident in their ability to prevail over the Americans but would have fought to the last man, thus by dropping the bomb Truman in effect saved the remaining members of the Japanese armed forces. Truman later sent a letter of acknowledgement and appreciation for Compton's "first sensible statement I have seen on the subject."
Tags: japan, nuclear, political, theory, conspiracy, president, truman, security, war, pearl, harbor, u.s., world, war, two, germany, atomic
Abstract This paper looks at how Edmund Burke, Jeremy Bentham, Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Marx. conceptualize the role of government and who governments should serve.
From the Paper "Any number of philosophers modern and ancient alike have offered an examination on the role that government should play in social intercourse. In this essay the views of several such thinkers will be examined."
Abstract This paper details and examines a fictional debate about democratic values from Hannah More's 19th century political pamphlet entitled "Village Politics." The paper presents the opposing viewpoints of two men arguing whether or not a new constitution is necessary or destructive to England. The paper also draws on the political philosophy of the times, including that of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and his concept of the general will. The author additionally examines More's political beliefs and how they are conveyed in the pamphlet.
From the Paper "People in society today are greatly influenced by what they read. The op-eds in the newspapers skew people's beliefs of political affairs and current events in the same way that biased articles in popular magazines seem to shape the way the general public views different types of cultural aspects. Keeping this in mind, it is especially important to note that during the 1800s, the people lacked other forms of media and communication that people in modern times are influenced by. Instead, they relied heavily on literature to entertain themselves, most of which shaped the way they viewed culture, politics, and life itself. As a female philanthropist writer during the 1800s of England, Hannah More produced a number and variety of different works that were widely distributed and popular. Among them was Village Politics, a pamphlet reading a dialogue between two English men about democratic ideals, written during the early French Revolution."
Tags: general will, rousseau, aristotle, hanna more, village politics, politicaltheory, politics, more, philosophy, will
