Political Authority and Justice

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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?

<p>Self-judgment and enforcement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>All of their absolute liberties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The printing press (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>The emphasis on scientific rationalism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

<p>Authority by appeal for reason. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What argument is made against imposing a single religion?

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

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

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

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

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

Flashcards

Theocratic System

A system of government where the Church has political power alongside the state.

Printing Press Impact

The printing press greatly advanced communication during the Renaissance.

Decline of Church Authority

The Catholic Church's power decreased after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire.

Rise of Secular Rule

Shift from theocratic rule toward governance based on non-religious ideas.

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Scientific Rationalism

Using reason and science to understand the world, leading to advancements in technology.

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Authority by Reason

Power based on logic and arguments, rather than religious beliefs.

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Italian Humanism

Intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements, not leading to religious division.

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End of Moral Rules

Laws based on logic, not religious morals, shaping the basis of legal systems.

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State of Nature

A hypothetical situation without government, where individuals are free but also vulnerable. Locke believed it was peaceful, not chaotic.

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Natural Law

Innate moral principles accessible through reason, defining right and wrong. It governs behavior in the state of nature.

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Judgment and Execution

In the state of nature, individuals have the right to judge and punish those who violate natural law.

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Deficiencies of Natural Law

Natural law lacks clarity, a third-party judge, and risks abuse of power by individuals.

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Creating Government

Giving up some individual liberties to create a government for protection and order, but not surrendering all innate rights.

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Social Contract

A voluntary agreement where individuals give up some rights in exchange for protection and order from the state.

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Natural Rights

Inherent, inalienable rights that belong to individuals by virtue of their existence, such as the right to life, liberty, and property.

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Right to Rebellion

The right of individuals to resist or overthrow a government that fails to uphold their rights.

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Fiduciary Trust

A relationship where one party (the trustee) acts in the interests of another (the beneficiary), like how the government should act for the people.

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British Rational Liberalism

A political philosophy that emphasizes reason, individual rights, and limited government, shaped by major events like the Glorious Revolution.

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Religious Tolerance

The acceptance and respect of other religions, even if you disagree with them.

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Legislature's Power

The legislative branch has the power to make laws, but this power is granted by the people and should be used for their benefit.

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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

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