Political Theories 1 PDF

POLITICAL THEORIES 1 DR. OMAR R. MANLAPAS Department of Political Science What keeps you going?  COURSE DESCRIPTION The course is basically an introduction to the subfield of political theory. It aims to examine how the political thinkers from western antiquity to early mo...

POLITICAL THEORIES 1 DR. OMAR R. MANLAPAS Department of Political Science What keeps you going?  COURSE DESCRIPTION The course is basically an introduction to the subfield of political theory. It aims to examine how the political thinkers from western antiquity to early modern era focusing on their complex concepts, approaches, claims, issues, and nuances have structured the contemporary framing of and debates on the ‘political’. The discussions in this course are structured to allow students to have a basic and critical understanding of the various issues and controversies that are discussed by political thinkers today. COURSE OUTCOMES 1. To know the rigors of the subfield of political theory. 2. To be familiar with those main political thinkers and their theories which constitute the ‘Canon’ of political theory. 3. To learn how to frame and problematize political issues and controversies.  What is Political Theory? a theory having to do with the political relationships among men specifically : one concerned with the organization and basis of government political theories are generated by social frictions -Merriam Webster Practical use of Political Theory: 1. Basis for Policy-making. 2. Basis for research. 3. Basis for scholarly articles. 4. Basis for plenary discussion and/or debate. 5. Basis for individuals’ moral compass.  What are the qualities of a good political scientist? 1. Analytical skills. 2. Critical-thinking skills 3. Intellectual curiosity 4. Writing skills 5. Good story-teller Ancient Philosophers: 1. Sophocles 2. Socrates 3. Plato 4. Aristotle  SOPHOCLES Sophocles was born about 496 B.C. at Colonus, a village just outside Athens, Greece. His father, Sophillus, was a wealthy weapons-maker and a leading citizen. Both birth and wealth, then, set Sophocles apart as someone likely to play an important role in Athenian society.  Sophocles studied poetry, music, dancing, and gymnastics — subjects regarded as the basis of a well-rounded education for a citizen. His early schooling prepared him to serve as a leader in all aspects of public life, including the military, foreign policy, and the arts. Sophocles was also known for the tragedies of the Oedipus Trilogy — Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone Key Questions: Are our lives defined by fate? Do we control our own fate or destiny? Do we cause our downfall or do circumstances beyond our control cause our downfall? When is it OK to blame others for our actions, and when must we take the blame ourselves? Oedipus the King  Oedipus the King Was the Son of Laius, King of Thebes and his wife Jocasta. Laius, king of Thebes, was warned by an oracle that his son would slay him. A shepherd took pity on the infant, who was adopted by King Polybus of Corinth and his wife and was brought up as their son.  Traveling toward Thebes, he encountered Laius, who provoked a quarrel in which Oedipus killed him. Continuing on his way, Oedipus found Thebes plagued by the Sphinx, who put a riddle to all passersby and destroyed those who could not answer. In reward, he received the throne of Thebes and the hand of the widowed queen, his mother, Jocasta.  Oedipus Complex The Oedipal complex is a term used by Sigmund Freud in his theory of psychosexual stages of development. The Oedipal complex occurs during the Phallic stage of development (ages 3-6) in which the source of libido (life force) is concentrated in the erogenous zones of the child's body (Freud, 1905). During this stage, children experience an unconscious feeling of desire for their opposite-sex parent and jealousy and envy  They had four children namely; Eteocles, Polyneices Antigone Ismene.  ANTIGONE Dysfunctional Family (Antigone) Antigone vs Creon’s decree Characteristics of Antigone and Creon: Antigone is a strong, stubborn and defiant woman. Creon wants to be a solid King. “Men make the laws, women obey the men who make the laws.”  For Creon, I make the rule, obey the rule.  ISSUE OF GENDER EQUALITY IN THE PHL. Gender Equality Investing in women is often found to be the most effective means to reducing poverty everywhere. World Bank data demonstrates that gender equality and economic development are inextricably linked. -End of Presentation-