Philosophy of Politics Overview

The process of achieving and using power to allocate resources and values within a society, often through negotiation and compromise.

The study of the state, its past, present, and future, focusing on how power is gained and used.

The ability to influence decisions and actions, especially by governments in a society, and to settle issues in a peaceful and acceptable way.

The belief that people are self-interested and disagreements lead to chaos unless managed through rules and laws.

An agreement between different groups to address conflicts, especially in governments, to reach a shared objective.

The process of managing disagreements between individuals and groups, striving for peaceful solutions

The process of assigning resources and deciding how to distribute goods and services in a society, especially by governments.

The duty to act with awareness of the impact on others and the community, particularly in government.

Politics seeks to unite society while respecting differences and individual interests, avoiding excessive force or violence.

Marx's idea that history is driven by disagreements and conflicts between different social groups (classes).

Marx believed our actions are shaped by our social environment, and that humans are fundamentally driven to adapt and change nature.

Marx's idea that actions and social conditions shape our beliefs, rather than simply our beliefs shaping actions.

Political rule aims to guide divided societies while minimizing violence, promoting order and peace.

A concept of achieving fairness and equity in society through political action.

A foundational text for communist ideology, emphasizing history as a struggle between social groups.

A field of study that examines political institutions, problems, and draws conclusions to create principles.

Derived from the Greek word 'polis' meaning 'fallen state'.

Rational creatures seeking to understand their world, including socio-political systems and themselves.

Freedoms in socialist countries exist to protect individual personality and allow for self-determined livelihoods, not for exploitation.

The renewed importance and study of political theory, due to mankind's need to understand its environment and itself.

Importance of studying political theory in understanding and addressing modern-day issues.

Examining political institutions, problems and creating principles.

A comparison of the theories highlighting their underlying difference in views.

The idea that true freedom comes from following moral laws and achieving self-control, often requiring collective action and potentially some coercion for the common good. It emphasizes the importance of a society acting together to ensure opportunities.

Rules and principles that reflect what is considered right and just in society.

The idea that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Rousseau believed true freedom stems from adhering to moral laws and participating in a collective moral framework.

Marcuse argued that the working class needs revolutionary, external guidance to achieve true freedom because they fail to recognize their own best interests.

The idea that society needs to act together to address problems like pollution and ensure the well-being of everyone.

Concerns about the protection of the rights of smaller groups within a society, especially when facing potential oppression from a majority.

The idea that pursuing freedom could ultimately lead to injustice in some situations.

A theory that focuses on distributing resources to maximize benefits for the least advantaged individuals, emphasizing fairness and equality.

A hypothetical scenario in Rawls's theory where individuals are unaware of their social position or talents, making decisions based on fairness and impartiality.

A state of unknowing in Rawls's theory where individuals lack knowledge about their own social position or circumstances.

Criticisms of Rawls's theory, arguing that his assumption of rational individuals is too simplistic and overlooks human nature's complexities.

A criticism of Rawls's theory, suggesting that his focus on political freedom overlooks other forms of freedom.

A critique of Rawls's theory, arguing that his focus on individual rights and freedoms does not account for acts of violence and extremism.

A criticism of Rawls's theory from a Marxist viewpoint, arguing that his theory supports capitalism and ignores class inequalities.

A criticism of Rawls's theory, claiming his support for private property and individualism upholds the capitalist system.

A social system where men hold power and authority over women, creating a hierarchy that favors men.

Preconceived beliefs about how men and women should behave, often based on outdated ideas that limit opportunities and choices.

Any act that causes physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm to a woman, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking.

A feminist movement that seeks to dismantle patriarchy and achieve complete equality between men and women.

The societal notion that women are less important or valued than men, often based on traditional gender roles.

Women working together to address shared problems and achieve common goals, such as fighting for equal rights.

Recognizing how women are both powerful (capable and resilient) and exploited (taken advantage of) in society.

Recognizing that the root cause of male dominance is a system that benefits men, not individual men's actions.