Political Thought PDF

POL THOUGHT The Main Concerns of Political Thought The main concern of political thought revolves around understanding how societies should be organized and governed. It examines questions such as who should hold power? What are their responsibilities? How do different forms of government affect ind...

POL THOUGHT The Main Concerns of Political Thought The main concern of political thought revolves around understanding how societies should be organized and governed. It examines questions such as who should hold power? What are their responsibilities? How do different forms of government affect individual liberty? The perspective on these matters has evolved over time as political systems have changed. In classical antiquity (Ancient Greece), the focus was on virtue ethics - embodying civic virtues for good governance. Plato believed that philosopherkings should rule with wisdom for the benefit oof society's whole rather than personal interests (Loddo., 2022). Aristotle emphasized that citizens' active participation was crucial for a well-functioning polis (Capellen., 2021). These ideas influenced later thinkers like Thomas Hobbes who argued for strong central authority due to human selfishness (Weber et al., 2019). Today's main concerns include democratic representation ensuring equal opportunities & rights; fostering economic prosperity while addressing social inequality; and managing global challenges such as climate change. In recent years, issues like populism, nationalism, and the role of technology in politics have gained significant attention. Influence of Ancient Greeks on Modern Political Thought The ancient Greeks made substantial contributions to political thought that continue to shape modern perspectives. Plato's "Republic" introduced the concept of an ideal state led by philosopher-kings (Loddo., 2022). Aristotle's work on politics emphasized the importance of citizenship and participation for a functioning polis (Capellen., 2021). These ideas influenced Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke who advocated for natural rights and limited government (Weber et al., 2019). Concepts such as democracy, rule of law, and separation of powers originate from ancient Greek political thought. The enduring impact can be seen in modern democratic societies' emphasis on citizens' rights and participation. Contributions of Hobbes, Locke & Rousseau to Modern View of State & Society Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are key figures whose ideas shaped our contemporary view of state and society. Hobbes argued that without a strong central authority to control human selfishness through social contract theory . He believed in absolute sovereignty with individuals surrendering their rights for security (Weber et al., 2019). Locke presented a more optimistic view emphasizing individual liberty protected by a limited government deriving its power from the consent of the governed (Weber et al., 2019). His theories influenced democratic principles including natural rights that cannot be taken away arbitrarily without due process. Rousseau focused on the idea of the "general will," claiming that true democracy requires direct participation by citizens who act collectively for the common good I(Iqtidar., 2020). He critiqued private property ownership which he considered a source oof inequality undermining social cohesion. These thinkers' ideas influenced the formation of modern democratic systems and continue to shape debates on governance, individual rights, and societal values. Social Hierarchy and Religion's Influence on the Role of Man in the State Social hierarchy and religion have historically played significant roles in shaping the role of individuals in political systems. In ancient Greek city-states, social hierarchies determined a person's political rights as well as their role within society. Aristocracy favored rule by an elite few based on birthright, while democracy expanded participation to all citizens (Loddo., 2022). Religion also played a crucial role, with religious leaders often having political influence through oracles or divine sanctioning (Capellen., 2021). Religion continues to impact politics in various ways around the world. In some societies, religious beliefs shape laws, societal norms, and moral frameworks that guide governance. Religious authority can intersect with political power resulting in alliances or conflicts. Social hierarchies based on factors such as wealth, education levels, race/ethnicity still persist despite efforts for more egalitarian societies. The interplay between social hierarchy and religion continues to be a complex factor influencing political ideologies and individual roles within states. Flaws of Democracy According to Ancient Greece Ancient Greeks identified certain flaws inherent in democratic systems that are still relevant today. Critics like Plato saw democracy as prone to mob rule where uneducated masses could make uninformed decisions leading to populist demagogues gaining power (Capellen., 2021).. They also warned against excessive individualism undermining collective good Weber et al., 2019). Aristotle recognized that democracies may devolve into tyranny without safeguarding institutions against abuse of powerIqtidar., 2020.. These concerns remain pertinent given instances where democratic processes have been exploited by charismatic leaders manipulating public sentiment.. It is essential for modern democracies to address these inherent flaws by fostering informed citizen participation, valuing public education, and ensuring checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power. Suitability of Democracy in Eastern Societies The suitability of democracy as a form of government in Eastern societies is influenced by cultural, historical, and socio-political factors. Eastern societies have diverse cultural traditions that may not align with Western democratic models. Confucian principles emphasizing social hierarchy or collectivist values can challenge individual-centric democratic systems (Iqtidar., 2020). Cultural homogeneity or authoritarian legacies might shape political dynamics. However, some countries in Eastern societies have successfully adopted democratic governance while adapting it to their unique contexts. For example, Japan developed a parliamentary system blending Western-style democracy with traditional culture (Weber et al., 2019). Taiwan transitioned from an authoritarian regime to a vibrant democracy rooted in its own history and culture (Capellen., 2021). Democracy's success depends on adaptable institutions that respect local cultures while upholding core democratic values such as accountability, rule of law & human rights. It requires continuous efforts to strike a balance between tradition and progress. Indigenizing political science entails that the field of political science has been accompanied by erased Indigenous identities, philosophies, and histories. This has been proven true for the U.S, where Native Americans have been structurally excluded from the discipline of political science. This is done through a gradual deprivation of land, resources and rights as a community. There are 2 reasons for the exclusion of Indigenous peoples from political science. One is that the categories and concepts of the discipline transpose poorly onto Indigenous experiences and practices because they are a product of an academic enterprise that springs from the perspective of European colonial scholars. Secondly, the exclusion of the academia of indigeneity from political science is not due to lack of trying to be included on the part of indigenous authors but due to academic colonization. If Indigenous is in the title, it must, apparently, remain academically colonized within anthropology. Decolonizing the discipline will allow the production of knowledge about our native and indigenous roots. As stated by Resil Mojares, the appropriatin of scholarly tools of Ilustrados did not equate to a fully Westernized way of thinking among the Ilustrados back in the colonial era. Thus, the Ilustrados showed us that it is indeed possible to develop a Philippine scholarship of politics if we learned to position the case for a Filipino perspective that is free from the prejudice of colonizers. A profound understanding of community and family is one of the core elements of the Filipino identity. The significance of family ties and extended kinship networks is common among Filipinos, and this is an important aspect of their cultural background. The Filipino people's adaptability and perseverance in dealing with of several issues, including natural calamities and political instability, are fundamental to who they are. The idea of "bayanihan," or group solidarity in difficult times, emphasizes the Filipinos' propensity for cooperating and aiding one another, further solidifying their sense of national identity. The extensive history of indigenous cultures, colonialism, and globalization are all seen to have had an impact on the growth and dynamic nature of the Filipino identity. Is there a Filipino identity to begin with? The concept of the Filipino identity is more expansive and nuanced; it includes social, cultural, and historical facets of what it entails to be Filipino. There are few works that establish a dominant concept on how the development of Filipino nationhood creates a historic formation in the country. Prominent works like The Propaganda’s Movement, The Creators of a Filipino Consciousness, The Makers of Revolution and some works that highlighted the concept of nationalism. It addresses the revolution of knowledge of Filipino intellectuals and propagandist focusing to the political reform and exploration. It consists of shared beliefs, customs, languages, and a sense of community among Filipinos, a deep sense of national identity among Filipinos is beneficial to forge a united country, but nationhood also has legal and political implications beyond cultural and social ones. Although a nation may be founded through formal political institutions and processes, the Filipino people's shared cultural history on the everyday experiences serve as the foundation for their identity.