Political Concepts and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which perspective best describes the role of 'nurture' in shaping human behavior, as opposed to 'nature'?

Human behavior is a result of learning and experiences, suggesting that societal and environmental factors are key. (correct)
Human behavior is an equal combination of genetics and upbringing and one cannot supercede the other.
Human behavior genetics and upbringing are negligible, what matters is pure luck.
Human behavior is primarily determined by innate biological factors, with environment playing a minimal role.

How does the concept of 'individualism' relate to the broader discussion of human nature and society?

Individualism posits that society's needs always outweigh the rights and freedoms of the individual.
Individualism promotes surrendering self autonomy for the good of the collective unit.
Individualism asserts the primacy of individual rights, freedoms, and autonomy, which can sometimes conflict with collective interests. (correct)
Individualism emphasizes the biological and genetic factors that determine a person's traits and behaviors.

In what way do 'social cleavages' impact the cohesion and operation of a society?

Social cleavages uniformly strengthen social cohesion by reinforcing shared values and goals.
Social cleavages have no significant impact on societal dynamics, as individual differences cancel each other out.
Social cleavages naturally lead to conflict and thus revolution to resolve underlying class mismatches.
Social cleavages can create deep divisions within a society, leading to conflicts and undermining social solidarity. (correct)

What distinguishes the 'public affairs' perspective on politics from the 'art of government' perspective?

The 'art of government' narrows the scope of politics, focusing on the actions of those in government, while 'public affairs' broadens it to include wider societal concerns and issues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do 'power and resources' relate to the study and practice of politics?

The distribution and control of power and resources are central to understanding political processes and outcomes, influencing who gets what, when, and how. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary aim of the new edition of the book, as stated in the preface?

To enhance the book's suitability by considering modern developments in political theory and the shifting significance of rival schools of political thought. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the preface, what is the main organizational structure employed to facilitate the book's distinctive themes?

Grouping concepts into sets of three interrelated terms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a significant change in the third edition of the book?

Increased attention to the issues of identity and difference, particularly linked to cultural and ethical pluralism. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why has the detailed coverage of Marxist political theory been reduced in the new edition?

To reflect the collapse or transformation of ‘actually existing’ Marxism. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics has been newly addressed or expanded upon in the third edition?

The concept of governance and its implications in political theory. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What specific aspect of citizenship is addressed in Chapter 7 of the revised edition?

Differentiated citizenship and multiculturalism as a tradition of political thought. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the restructured Chapter 12?

Political change by considering the rival ideas of tradition, progress, and utopia. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What additional resources have been included to provide a more comprehensive understanding of political thought?

Additional ‘thinker’ boxes providing fuller coverage of key figures in political thought and updated ‘schools of political theory’ boxes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the ideas presented, what is the primary risk associated with relying solely on language to understand the world?

Language tends to oversimplify and distort the intricate nature of reality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do concepts play in acquiring knowledge, according to the ideas presented?

Concepts serve as tools for thinking, criticizing, and analyzing information. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the understanding of 'presidency' as a concept differ from referring to a specific president?

The concept of 'presidency' refers to a collection of ideas about executive power, whereas referring to a specific president denotes an individual. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of political theory, what is a key challenge associated with political concepts?

Political concepts are often intertwined with the moral, philosophical, and ideological views of those who use them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the risk of mistaking the 'word' for the 'thing', as warned by Samuel Johnson?

An investor making financial decisions based solely on market predictions without considering underlying economic factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the role of concept formation in our understanding of the world?

Concept formation is an essential step in the process of reasoning which help us make sense of it. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are concepts considered 'general' in their application?

Concepts can refer to a number of objects or instances that align with the general idea itself. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between perceiving the external world and acquiring knowledge, according to the ideas presented?

Perceiving the external world provides raw data, but knowledge requires imposing meaning through concepts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Postmodernist theorists critique the search for universal values based on what central argument?

The assumption of a moral and rational high point for judging values is flawed since disagreement persists about its location. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea of Derrida's deconstructive philosophy regarding language and reality?

Language constructs our understanding of reality, and there is nothing beyond this linguistic construction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main critique of the extreme postmodernist view, particularly regarding its implications for truth-seeking?

It undermines itself and results in an epistemological relativism that sees the quest for truth as hopeless. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do extreme postmodernists view science compared to other modes of thought?

Science, like other disciplines, is merely a 'discourse' that structures understanding and reinforces power. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary subdivisions within the study of politics, as mentioned?

Political science and political theory/philosophy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central feature of the 'scientific method' as applied in political science?

Verifying or falsifying hypotheses by testing them against empirical evidence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which historical intellectual movement provided the foundation for the development of political science in the twentieth century?

Seventeenth-century empiricism. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Postmodernism originated as a descriptor for which field?

Experimental movements in Western architecture. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to rationalism?

The idea that reason is the primary source of knowledge and justification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What implication does rationalism have for individual agency?

It implies individuals possess free will and can shape their own lives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does rationalism influence political thought?

By inspiring radical and revolutionary political doctrines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Plato’s view on the ideal form of government, according to rationalist ideas?

An enlightened despotism, ruled by philosopher-kings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Descartes' statement 'Cogito ergo sum' imply about human beings?

Humans are thinking entities, distinct in mind from body. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Plato's Academy contribute to Athenian society?

It trained the new Athenian ruling class. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Plato believe justice would be manifested in his ideal state described in The Republic?

Through strict division of labor reflecting character-types and human attributes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key attribute of rationalist theories of human nature?

Uplifting the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'promise of planning' in the context of property and market dynamics?

Achieving socially desirable outcomes that the market alone may not deliver. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'common property' differ from 'private property' and 'state property'?

Common property is owned by everyone and managed collectively, while private property is exclusive to individuals and state property is controlled by the government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea behind the 'market mechanism'?

A process where supply and demand interact to determine prices and allocate resources. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of 'change in order to conserve'?

Making incremental adjustments to preserve fundamental values and institutions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept aligns with Karl Popper's critique of utopianism, emphasizing iterative improvements over grand, sweeping changes?

Progress through reform (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Language in Politics

The use of language to influence political attitudes and actions.

What is Political Theory?

Philosophical exploration of political concepts like justice, power, and rights.