Political Philosophy Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of social contract?

  • Hume
  • Nietzsche
  • Hobbes (correct)
  • Kant

Socrates is known for his contributions to modern theology.

False (B)

Who wrote 'The Koran' and what is its significance?

Michael Cook; it is the holy text of Islam.

The philosophy that critiques modernity and universal truths is known as _______.

<p>postmodernism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following thinkers with their contributions:

<p>Hume = Empiricism Kant = Transcendental Idealism Marx = Historical Materialism Nietzsche = Will to Power</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary focus of sociology?

<p>Social behavior and society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Judaism's primary text is known as the Upanishads.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one major theme associated with Romantic literature.

<p>Emphasis on emotion and nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do political philosophers seek to understand as society and government change?

<p>The relevance of social science principles (A), The best form of government for all societies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political philosophers rely only on historical records to develop their theories.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is noted for the impact of their book 'The Social Contract' on the French Revolution?

<p>Jean-Jacques Rousseau (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Carlyle had doubts about the importance of abstract ideas in political thought.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of indicators do philosophers consider when evaluating economic growth?

<p>Physical indicators such as health and mortality, and psychological indicators such as life satisfaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason we need political philosophy?

<p>To address new political challenges that conventional wisdom cannot solve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political philosophy aims to understand the best form of government in relation to ________ values.

<p>shared</p> Signup and view all the answers

Plato is often regarded as the __________ of political philosophy.

<p>father</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

<p>Political Philosophy = Inquiry into the ideal form of governance Empirical Foundations = Evidence-based principles from social sciences Perennial Questions = Evergreen inquiries about politics and authority Local Knowledge = Understanding specific to contemporary societies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who holds real power in democratic societies?

<p>Government ministers, civil servants, and members of parliament (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosopher with their notable work:

<p>Jean-Jacques Rousseau = The Social Contract Thomas Carlyle = Historical Critique Karl Marx = The Communist Manifesto Plato = The Republic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Citizens are allowed to vote in every aspect of governance.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the nature of truth in political philosophy?

<p>It varies between local knowledge and universal truths. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato use to illustrate his ideas about truth in politics?

<p>The allegory of the cave (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way citizens can influence their government aside from voting?

<p>By forming groups to lobby their representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The best form of government proposed by political philosophers always matches the current government.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason provided for why we need political philosophy?

<p>To illuminate our understanding of politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Democracy allows citizens to be consulted through a __________ when major constitutional questions arise.

<p>referendum</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political philosophy has only limited success and has not influenced future generations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common argument against direct involvement of citizens in government decision-making?

<p>It is impractical for large populations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can determine whether a work of political thought will become influential?

<p>If its ideas correspond to political and social change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The expansion of the _________ in the 20th century enhanced the foundations of political philosophy.

<p>social sciences</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Referendum = A vote by the electorate on a specific proposal Lobbying = Efforts by interest groups to influence lawmakers Civil Servants = Employees of the government who implement policies Legislative Assembly = A body of elected representatives that makes laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental question that political philosophers continue to investigate?

<p>The necessity of politics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political philosophy claims it can bring us a kind of ________ about politics.

<p>truth</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the involvement of citizens in government decision-making is considered impractical.

<p>Because of the large number of decisions that governments have to make, it is difficult for millions of ordinary citizens to be involved effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which work exemplifies a critique of conventional political thought?

<p>The Republic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome for someone who disrupts social order in a small community?

<p>They may be reprimanded by fellow community members. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In small communities, cooperation is largely dependent on having a central political authority.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals in a small community to maintain social order?

<p>The desire to be accepted and respected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of a central authority, communities are described as __________.

<p>self-policing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do communitarian anarchists believe about cooperation among communities?

<p>It can thrive without coercive force. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Communities are encouraged to break agreements without penalties.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of a society based on small communities?

<p>It relies on small, tight-knit communities for social order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In order to collaborate more effectively, communities may __________ in producing different goods.

<p>specialize</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Social order = The system of organized behavior within a community Communitarian anarchism = A theory advocating for decentralized governance and cooperation Self-policing = Communities regulating their own conduct without external authority Specialization = Focusing on the production of specific goods or services</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to a community that proves to be untrustworthy?

<p>They may not be able to cooperate with other communities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Political Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about government, justice, and the state.

Postcolonialism

Study of the effects of colonialism and its legacy on societies.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Quantum Theory

The theory describing the physical properties of nature at the smallest scales.

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Sociology

The study of human social behavior and its origins, organization, institutions, and development.

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Prehistory

The period of human history before written records.

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Literary Theory

A collection of critical ideas and approaches to the study of literature.

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Philosophy of Science

The study of the foundations, methods, and implications of science.

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Political Philosophy

A field of study that examines fundamental questions about government, justice, and the good society.

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Political Ideas' Impact

The effectiveness of political thought depends on its alignment with societal changes and its ability to resonate with future generations.

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The Social Contract

A book by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, influential in the French Revolution. It explored the concept of the relationship between individuals and the state.

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Hobbes' Leviathan

A significant work of political philosophy, famous for its impact on political thought.

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Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto

A historical political philosophy work considered influential in changing views about government.

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Conventional Wisdom

Commonly accepted beliefs and ideas about politics.

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Plato's Allegory of the Cave

A philosophical concept in Plato's Republic about the difference between the perceived world and truth, central to political philosophy.

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Political Challenges

New problems in politics that need different ideas than existing norms and values.

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Practical Importance of Abstract Ideas

Showing how ideas have a real effect on the world in political thought.

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Need for Political Philosophy

Critical examination of our beliefs during periods of significant change in the government.

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Political Philosophy's Purpose

To illuminate our thinking about politics, in a way that is accessible to all and not dependent on rare insights or secret knowledge.

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Empirical Foundations

Using solid, scientific evidence from the social sciences to inform political thought, instead of simply relying on history and observation.

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Best Form of Government

A government that aligns with the shared values and aims of the society in question, which can sometimes be similar to existing forms or radically different.

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Perennial Questions (Politics)

Fundamental questions about politics and authority that have remained relevant throughout history.

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Need for Politics

Questioning why human societies require political structures and systems.

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Local vs. Universal Truth

The debate about whether principles of political philosophy are applicable across all societies and times or only within specific contexts.

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Evolving Agenda

The idea that the topics addressed in political philosophy adapt to changing societal and governmental dynamics.

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Social/Political Science

The study of human societies and their political structures.

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Historical Evidence (Politics)

Evidence from the past, used by political philosophers to gather broad insight in the study of a range of societies and political systems.

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Reliability of Historical Data

Historical data, although valuable, may be less dependable or biased in political philosophy compared to modern, scientific approaches.

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Small Community Social Order

Social order maintained through reputation and community pressure, not formal authority.

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Alternative to Political Authority

Community-based social control mechanisms, contrasted with state enforced rules.

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Communitarian Anarchism

Idea that cooperation among self-governing communities can replace government.

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Inter-Community Cooperation

Communities exchanging goods and services and working together on large projects.

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Self-Policing System

A system where cooperation is maintained through community pressure to uphold agreements.

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Problem with Small-Community Model

Reliance on tight-knit communities for social order is unsuitable for complex modern societies.

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Social Order

Maintaining peace in society through cooperation, and deterring harmful behaviours.

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Inter-Community Exchange

Communities agree to exchange products and services.

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Social Ostracism

Exclusion from society or group by community members.

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Modern Societies vs Small Communities

Complex modern societies operate differently than small, tight-knit communities regarding cooperation and enforcement of rules

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Citizen's limited authority

Citizens' political power is restricted to voting, referendums, and lobbying.

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Real power in democracy

Government ministers, civil servants, and legislators hold most decision-making power.

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Direct democracy impracticality

Involving millions in daily government decisions is not practical or possible.

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Periodic elections

Voting events held regularly to choose representatives.

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Referendums

Voters' approval or rejection of major policy changes.

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Lobbying

Influencing government policies through organized citizen groups.

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Decision-making in government

Governments have an immense workload, requiring extensive decision-making by specialists.

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Study Notes

Book Title

  • Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

Author

  • David Miller

Publication Details

  • Oxford University Press, 2003

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Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction PDF

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts from 'Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction' by David Miller. This quiz covers essential theories, thinkers, and principles that shape political thought and practice. Challenge your knowledge and explore the fundamental questions of political philosophy.

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