1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy?
TLDRSteven Smith delivers an introductory lecture on political philosophy, exploring fundamental questions like justice, education, and the best regime. He discusses key thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli, noting their practical engagement in politics. Smith emphasizes political philosophy's role in examining tensions between the ideal 'best regime' and imperfect actual ones. He concludes by framing the quest for the best regime as a noble, love-driven journey that may profoundly transform students.
Takeaways
- 😀 Political philosophy examines fundamental questions about justice, society, rights, and government that continue to guide the field.
- 😇 Regimes structure political life into a few types and instill partisanship and loyalty like sports teams.
- 🤔 The best regime has never existed but guides political philosophy as an ideal to aspire towards.
- 😮💨 Politics inherently involves conflict between regimes with different principles and interests.
- 👍 Great thinkers were often practically engaged in politics rather than detached intellectuals.
- 😠 Political philosophy can disturb existing allegiances by leading to new perspectives on the ideal.
- 🧐 The study of regimes explores national character types produced by different systems.
- 🤨 Political philosophy exists in the space between 'what is' and 'what ought to be'.
- 🤓 The quest for the best regime is motivated by eros or love of what is truly good.
- 😌 Statesmen shape institutions and must balance philosophy and practical wisdom.
Q & A
What are some of the oldest and most fundamental questions political philosophy seeks to answer?
-Some of the oldest and most fundamental questions are: what is justice, what are the goals of a decent society, how should a citizen be educated, why should I obey the law and what are the limits to my obligation, what constitutes human dignity, does God exist and what implications does that have.
How does studying the great thinkers of the past help us understand politics today?
-The great thinkers provide us with the most basic and permanent questions that continue to guide political science. We still rely on concepts and categories created long ago. Their works shape our most basic outlooks and attitudes which remain alive today.
What is a regime and what are some key questions about regimes?
-A regime refers to a system of government and entire way of life of a people. Key questions include: how many kinds of regimes are there, what holds regimes together or causes them to fall apart, is there a single best regime, and how are regimes founded and sustained over time.
What is a statesman and what qualities are important for statesmanship?
-A statesman is responsible for steering the ship of state through skill and judgment. Different thinkers have debated the necessary qualities, such as philosophical knowledge, practical wisdom, willingness to act immorally, or ability to transform human nature.
Why can studying political philosophy be politically disruptive?
-Studying political philosophy raises challenging questions that may lead one to develop different political loyalties and allegiances over time as your understanding evolves. It can reveal tensions between the ideals of the 'best regime' and deficiencies in actual existing regimes.
How does political philosophy relate to actually existing regimes?
-Political philosophy exists in the space between the theoretical 'best regime' and actual imperfect regimes. This allows political philosophy to critically examine and reveal tensions with existing societies in hopes of positive change, even if the ideal remains elusive.
What did the lecturer mean in saying political philosophy is sustained by 'eros' or love?
-The quest for knowledge of the ideal regime elevates our focus beyond immediate political divides toward more universal truths and the good. This desire for higher understanding the lecturer likens to the Greek notion of 'eros' - a passionate, ennobling love of truth.
Why can't political philosophy simply defer to past authorities?
-The great thinkers disagreed profoundly in their answers about politics. We must use our own reason and judgment to critically evaluate their arguments to decide what seems most right, rather than just deferring to any final authority.
What is the purpose of studying political philosophy?
-The purpose is not just intellectual contemplation but deeply practical - to grapple with the most fundamental questions about how society should be structured and governed, with the aim of providing advice and positive change in the direction of 'the good'.
How did many famous political philosophers relate to the politics of their day?
-Most were actively engaged with the politics of their times, whether as advisors to rulers, members of government, or critics seeking change. This grounded their philosophical work in practical political realities and struggles.
Outlines
📚 What is political philosophy and what questions does it aim to answer?
Professor Smith introduces political philosophy as the oldest and most fundamental part of political science. Its purpose is to uncover the basic concepts, problems and questions that frame the study of politics - questions about justice, rights, obedience to law, human dignity, etc. Political philosophy provides a foundation for the entire discipline of political science.
🤔 Why do we still read old thinkers and are their ideas still relevant?
Smith explains we still read old thinkers not because political science lacks progress, but because they framed basic questions that still guide the field today. Their works are not final authorities but help define the problems all later scholars rely on. We think in terms of concepts created long ago. Their disagreement makes it possible for us to judge and rely on our own reason.
❓ What are some fundamental questions political philosophy examines?
Smith outlines some basic questions studied: what is justice and the goals of society; how to educate a citizen; why obey laws and limits of this obligation; what constitutes human dignity - is it freedom, virtue, etc.; does God exist and implications for citizens.
🏛️ What is a regime, what are its key features and sources of potential conflict?
A regime indicates a form of government - ruled by one, few, many. It refers to how offices are distributed, citizens' rights and responsibilities. Regimes stand in opposition, so conflict is built into politics. They instill partisan loyalties like sports teams. This happens between and within regimes as groups contend for power.
👥 How are regimes founded and what role do statesmen play?
Some like Tocqueville see regimes as embedded in history over centuries. Others like Plato and Machiavelli believe regimes can be deliberately founded through acts of statesmen. This raises questions about what makes a good statesman and what qualities like philosophy or judgment are needed to steer the state.
🚀 Is political philosophy practical and were historical thinkers actively engaged?
The great thinkers were far from detached intellectuals. Most were practically engaged through advising leaders or participating in politics. So they provide models for thinking about current politics. This study of regimes relates to statecraft and advice-giving.
✨ What is the best regime and what function does this idea play?
Guiding political philosophy is the question of the best regime, but this poses challenges. Judging best is subjective, yet defines a certain human type. The best regime lacks existence but is in tension with actual ones. This space makes philosophy unsettling but sustained by love for the ideal.
🌅 Concluding thoughts on political philosophy as a bridge from actual to ideal
Political philosophy exists between actual and ideal regimes. This makes it disruptive but also meaningful. Embarking on this quest changes one's loyalties. Yet there is compensation in the love for knowledge of the best regime.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡political philosophy
💡regime
💡partisanship
💡founding
💡statesman
💡best regime
💡nature of man
💡justice
💡eros
💡philosopher
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