Political Philosophy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the ultimate goal of human history according to Hegel?

Achievement of individual freedom

Establishment of civil society

Progress of absolute Mind towards self-realisation (correct)

Formation of family units

In Hegel's view, which element of social existence represents 'universal altruism'?

Family

Egoism

State (correct)

Civil society

According to Adrian Leftwich, what is politics fundamentally linked to?

Collective social activity (correct)

Private interests

Formal institutions only

Religious beliefs

What does Carl Schmitt argue is a fundamental aspect of politics?

The production and use of resources Signup and view all the answers

What does Hegel's organic theory of the state emphasize?

The state as the highest expression of human freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which form of government is considered the least favorable according to the provided information?

Tyranny Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique feature of a polity as defined in the content?

It is a blend of democracy and oligarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of liberal democracies?

Power is concentrated in a single party. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are mentioned as constitutional monarchies?

UK and Netherlands Signup and view all the answers

What type of government system does the USA exemplify?

Presidential system Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes politics from other social activities?

It involves the allocation of scarce resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept reflects the understanding that politics often involves a range of differing opinions?

Conflict-resolution Signup and view all the answers

How does Bismarck characterize the nature of politics?

As not a science but an art. Signup and view all the answers

What notion is associated with David Easton’s conceptualization of politics?

Politics is the 'authoritative allocation of values'. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bernard Crick advocate as the 'political' solution to problems of order?

Conciliation and negotiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups would NOT be typically involved in politics according to the described conceptions?

General public Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the art of the possible' suggest about political action?

It prioritizes negotiation and compromise. Signup and view all the answers

What do liberals believe is essential for preserving individual liberty?

The separation between public and private spheres Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of linking politics too closely with state affairs?

Negative perceptions of politics. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hannah Arendt, which activity is considered the most important form of human activity?

Politics Signup and view all the answers

What concept is central to Jean-Jacques Rousseau's philosophy regarding political participation?

General will Signup and view all the answers

Hannah Arendt's 'Eichmann in Jerusalem' discusses which concept related to the Nazi war criminals?

The banality of evil Signup and view all the answers

What impact does John Stuart Mill attribute to involvement in public affairs?

It fosters personal, moral, and intellectual growth Signup and view all the answers

In what sense do liberals prefer 'private' life, in contrast to 'public' life?

It is associated with harmony and freedom Signup and view all the answers

What danger did Hannah Arendt associate with the breakdown of traditional norms?

Rise of totalitarian movements Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of political life does the liberal viewpoint argue should be maintained?

A clear distinction between public and private activities Signup and view all the answers

What does Machiavelli imply politics to be in his portrayal?

A deceptive and corrupt practice Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of Machiavelli's 'The Prince'?

To provide guidance for future rulers of Italy Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, why is man considered a 'political animal'?

He can only achieve the good life within a political community Signup and view all the answers

What does the distinction between public and private life according to political philosophy stand for?

The division between the state and individual interests Signup and view all the answers

How do conservatives such as Michael Oakeshott view the role of politics?

As a limited activity essential for public order Signup and view all the answers

In the context of political institutions, what is classified as 'public'?

Entities collectively funded by the public for community life Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely'?

Concentration of power can lead to moral decay Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of politics does Machiavelli emphasize through the term 'Machiavellian'?

The necessity of cunning and manipulation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main arguments made by MacKinnon regarding female oppression?

It is rooted in sexuality and pornography. Signup and view all the answers

Which function of government involves the creation of laws?

Legislation Signup and view all the answers

According to social-contract theory, why should individuals respect and obey government?

To prevent chaos and civil war. Signup and view all the answers

What view do anarchists hold about government?

It is both evil and unnecessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did Aristotle attempt to classify?

Types of government Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes modern societies as opposed to traditional societies?

Lack of unifying cultural values. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Murray Rothbard focus on concerning government?

Limiting government growth through market mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'govern' imply within the context of government?

To exercise control over others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characterization of traditional societies in maintaining order?

By reliance on personal relationships and customs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is about the democratic system of government?

It is carried out both by and for the people. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Theory Summary

Politics is the exercise of power, authority, and collective decision-making, allocating scarce resources, and manipulation. It involves conflict resolution and the search for solutions, rather than solely achievement.
Politics exists within a framework of formal institutions and public/private life, related to the distribution of power, wealth, and resources.
Politics is not a science, but an art, according to Bismarck. It is about exercising control within society through making & enforcing collective decisions.
Politics is traditionally studied as the authoritative allocation of values.
Politics is seen as confined to government and its institutions (e.g., cabinets, legislatures, departments), involving specific roles (e.g., politicians, civil servants, lobbyists).
Politics is ultimately about conflict resolution and compromise, conciliation, or negotiation. The enemy of politics is certainty at any cost.

Public Affairs

Politics is a social activity arising from diversity of wants, needs, and interests, leading to conflict and decision-making
Aristotle viewed humans as inherently political animals, needing society to flourish
Politics is associated with creating a 'just society' through ethical considerations.

The Art of Government

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Governments deal with power, authority, and decision-making, through institutions.
Government rests on a balance between different entities
Political systems vary in their approach to the exercise of power, authority, and control over others.

Conservatives and Liberals

Conservatives see politics as a strictly limited activity, focused on maintaining order and regulating public life.
Liberals maintain a public/private distinction, prioritizing individual liberty and freedom, as well as choice and responsibility, within public life.
Conservative viewpoints argue the necessity for order and regulation within public life
Conservative thinkers have associated politics with the “inner core” of human experience—family, home, relationships, and personal security.

Feminist Perspectives in Politics

First Wave Feminism focused on gaining women's suffrage, equal rights, and legal equality.
Second Wave Feminism emphasized the personal is political, tackling issues of power structures and oppression in various forms of social interactions.
Radical feminism challenges the prevailing 'public/private' dichotomy.
Socialist feminism links female subordination to capitalist production.
Post-modern feminism questions the meaning of categories like "woman"

Theories of Government

Anarchism rejects any form of government, arguing for a system without rulers or authority.
Social contract theory argues that governments are established through agreements between individuals and the governed.
The State prioritizes the idea of justice in politics.
Different governments, such as monarchies and republics, have varying structures of power.
Modern societies are large and complex, often presenting conflicts and diverse perspectives
Governments can be judged according to the degree of participation, or by their stability and consistency

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in political philosophy, focusing on the ideas of Hegel and others. This quiz covers topics such as the goals of history, forms of government, and the nature of politics. Perfect for students of political theory and philosophy.