Political Authority and Justice

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary obligation of a trustee according to the treatises of government?

To uphold the divine right of kings

To act in the interests of the beneficiary (correct)

To serve their own interests

To protect the rights of the state

How does the state of nature, as described in the treatises, fundamentally differ from the concept of a chaotic existence?

It involves the domination of the strong over the weak.

It is portrayed as peaceful and orderly. (correct)

It is characterized by constant conflict.

It requires strict laws to govern behavior.

Which of the following represents a deficiency of the law of nature?

Clear guidelines for judgment

Existence of multiple judges

Possibility of execution

Scope for personal interpretation (correct)

What allows aggrieved parties to punish aggressors in the state of nature?

Self-judgment and enforcement (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of creating government, what do individuals retain according to the discussion?

All of their absolute liberties (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant invention allowed for advancements in communication during the Renaissance period?

The printing press (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the decline of the Catholic Church's authority impact governance?

It allowed states to assert claims over their territories. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical shift characterized the transition from the Medieval Era to modernity?

The emphasis on scientific rationalism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of the ruler's obligation in relation to the citizens?

The ruler is not bound by any contract. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did patrons play in the movement toward humanism during the Renaissance?

They supported scientific endeavors through financial means. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What marked the primary source of power as society moved towards modernity?

Authority by appeal for reason. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory discussed, what should happen if the government fails to protect people's rights?

Citizens are allowed to overthrow the government. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a necessary condition for the establishment of law and order?

The government must preserve the people's innate liberties. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the relationship between intellectualism and schism in this era?

Intellectualism did not lead to schism or division. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the comparison between the state of nature and civil society?

Men form society quickly when advantages of civil society outweigh those of the state of nature. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the end of moral rules in the governance of society?

A shift away from morality as a basis for laws. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of fragmentation among churches following the Holy Roman Empire's collapse?

Allowed kingdoms to seek legitimacy through alliances. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What concept indicates that the government is not established by a contract?

Government is based on a Fiduciary Trust. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What argument is made against imposing a single religion?

Beliefs cannot be compelled through violence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the legislature according to the discussed theory?

It holds supreme power as a Fiduciary Power. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event exemplifies the belief in civil authority over religious influence?

The declaration of rights during the Bloodless revolution of 1688. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Peace in Relation to Political Authority

Peace is essential for a functioning society, and unity is key to achieving it
A ruler's primary concern is maintaining peace and order
Unity is more effective than many rulers in achieving peace
The existence and actions of a single ruler are more likely to achieve peace than the actions of several individuals
The principle mover is unity

Justice

Just laws are those ordained for the common good; they must not exceed the power of the lawgiver
Laws must be proportionate and considerate of the subjects
Unjust laws are those that oppose the common good or divine law

Prevent Tyranny

A ruler must be in a situation where tyranny is improbable to occur
Government systems should be arranged to prevent potential opportunities for tyranny
Having systems in place for addressing potential tyrannical behavior of rulers

The Right to Revolt

Tolerating minor forms of tyranny is sometimes the better path to take
If tyranny significantly harms the population, revolting is justifiable
Public authority must lead revolt against a tyrant
Tyrannical rule is unjust and faithless, thus revolt against it is justified.

Renaissance and Political Thought

The Renaissance was a time when people turned to ancient ideas about governance, particularly those from the Greeks
The shift from a God-centered worldview to a more human-centered one
Machiavelli's The Prince is an influential work from the Renaissance period
Political influence of the Church declined as people embraced new ways of thinking
Focus on intellectualism and this-worldly concerns
The printing press facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas and knowledge

Modernism

Science gained increasing importance for the ability to address issues of everyday life

Authority & Power

Monarchs have partial authority rather than complete power
Power is shared among various entities such as wealthy families

The Individual Man

Human actions are driven by passions and endeavors
A person's desires and aversions guide their behavior
Good is what satisfies desires, and bad is what opposes them
Good and bad are not objectively determined
The will is the last appetite or aversion that remains in a state of deliberation

The Sovereign

The sovereign has undisputed authority, with unlimited power
The sovereign's goal is primarily maintaining internal peace
Laws are created and managed by the sovereign

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate relationship between peace, political authority, and justice. This quiz delves into the principles that guide rulers in maintaining unity and the common good, while preventing tyranny. Understand the conditions under which rebellion against unjust laws may be considered.