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Questions and Answers
How did Hobbes view the state of nature?
How did Hobbes view the state of nature?
What is the primary purpose of the social contract according to Locke?
What is the primary purpose of the social contract according to Locke?
Which philosopher proposed that the social contract reflects the 'general will'?
Which philosopher proposed that the social contract reflects the 'general will'?
What does the concept of hypothetical consent entail?
What does the concept of hypothetical consent entail?
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How did Rousseau view the state of nature?
How did Rousseau view the state of nature?
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What does tacit consent refer to according to Locke?
What does tacit consent refer to according to Locke?
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What was Plato's perspective on the role of the state?
What was Plato's perspective on the role of the state?
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Which of the following statements best summarizes Locke's view of the state of nature?
Which of the following statements best summarizes Locke's view of the state of nature?
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What did Locke argue regarding property rights?
What did Locke argue regarding property rights?
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How did Hobbes view the law of nature?
How did Hobbes view the law of nature?
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Which philosopher defined justice as fairness and emphasized equality of opportunity?
Which philosopher defined justice as fairness and emphasized equality of opportunity?
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What is the central tenet of Mill's argument for liberty?
What is the central tenet of Mill's argument for liberty?
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Which philosopher emphasized a radical form of equality focusing on equal access to resources?
Which philosopher emphasized a radical form of equality focusing on equal access to resources?
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What type of authority did Weber differentiate within his theories?
What type of authority did Weber differentiate within his theories?
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What did Hobbes argue regarding sovereignty?
What did Hobbes argue regarding sovereignty?
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How did Rawls define social justice?
How did Rawls define social justice?
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Study Notes
State
- The state is a central authority that controls a community
- Plato viewed the state as a tool to create a just society
- Plato believed in a hierarchy with "philosopher-kings" leading society
- Hobbes believed the state is necessary to prevent chaos
- Hobbes said individuals should submit to a sovereign to ensure peace and security
Social Contract
- The social contract is an agreement to create a society with laws and authority
- Hobbes believed that without a social contract, life would be violent
- Locke believed the social contract is about protecting natural rights
- Locke said people have a right to rebel against governments that violate natural rights
- Rousseau argued that the social contract should reflect the "general will" and align freedom with the good of the community
State of Nature
- The state of nature is a hypothetical situation without government
- Hobbes saw the state of nature as violent and competitive, where life was "nasty, brutish, and short"
- Locke saw the state of nature as generally peaceful but still needing government to protect rights
- Rousseau believed it was a cooperative state and that society corrupted humanity
Hypothetical Consent
- Hypothetical consent is the idea that people would consent to certain principles under ideal conditions
- Rawls suggested that principles should be chosen as if behind a "veil of ignorance"
- The "veil of ignorance" prevents knowledge of one's position in society, guaranteeing impartiality
Tacit Consent
- Tacit consent is an implicit agreement to obey laws by enjoying the benefits of a society
- Locke believed that living in a society and enjoying its protections meant implicit consent to its laws
Property
- Locke believed property rights stem from one's labor
- Hobbes saw property as a social construct created by the governing state to help maintain order
Law of Nature
- The Law of Nature is a set of principles governing behavior even without laws
- Locke believed the Law of Nature was about inherent rights and guided rational moral actions
- Hobbes saw the Law of Nature as self-preservation
Justice
- Justice is fairness in the distribution of resources and treatment of individuals
- Plato believed justice was individuals fulfilling their unique roles in society
- Rawls defined justice as fairness, advocating for equal opportunities and that inequalities should benefit the least fortunate members of society
Liberty
- Liberty is the freedom to act as one chooses, within limits
- Mill argued for individual liberty, unless it harms others
- Locke saw liberty as freedom within the bounds of the Law of Nature, advocating for rights to life and property
Equality
- Equality is the principle of equal rights and opportunities for all
- Rawls proposed that equality of opportunity is essential and that inequalities should help the least advantaged
- G.A. Cohen argued for equal access to resources and outcomes
Authority
- Authority is legitimate power to create and enforce laws
- Hobbes supported absolute authority, where a sovereign has undivided power
- Weber divided authority into types: legal-rational, traditional, and charismatic
Power
- Power is the ability to control or influence others, regardless of authority
Sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the supreme authority within a territory
- Hobbes argued for absolute sovereignty controlled by a single ruler or assembly
Social Justice
- Social Justice is creating a fair society with fair distribution of resources and opportunities
- Rawls defined it as fairness, emphasizing a fair distribution of resources through the "difference principle"
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Description
Explore key philosophical concepts regarding the state and social contract theory. Delve into the views of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau on authority, governance, and human nature. Understand how these ideas shape modern political thought and societal organization.
