Political Philosophy - Assignment Example

Political Philosophy Whenever we consider the social nature of a government, i.e. what constitutes a government, what legislations it should pass, what laws it should uphold, what freedoms it should defend as well as what duties its citizens owe to the government and their city or country we refer to this branch of philosophy as political philosophy. This type of philosophy focuses on the basic nature of the political system though it is a more generalized form of the discipline rather than technical. Socrates and his pupil Plato are one of the first in history to delve into the aspect of political philosophy. Plato’s the republic spoke of Plato’s vision for an ideal state understood that justice was essential to the unity of the population, the relevancy of the political process and his to the benefit of everyone in the state. He said that the divisions in the social structure of a city were more dangerous than any external force. And that gaining peace through the use of force is not preferable to a partnership created through the sharing of mutual interests and understanding (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Aristotle however saw the functions of politics just as the functions of a body. He surmised that there were different parts of a city each of which served a common function. Their order of living is decided by the constitution which is analogous to the soul. And it can only possess a semblance of order if it has a ruler. Aristotle distinguished the various types of government saying that each had a commonality which can help the individual attain a noble living. However, Aristotle’s writings did not speak about the emotional health of its citizens saying that the presence of morality and the ability to complete tasks given would lead them to a fulfilling life. He also saw that a constitution like its people does not remain constant over time and it should be the will of the lawmakers to change it for the betterment of the community (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). The development of rationalism occurred around the time of the renaissance (Marxist Internet Archive). It was during this time among the merchants and craftsmen of Northern Italy that political philosophy began to flourish again. One such philosopher responsible was the founder of political science Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli argued that the true prosperity of any state depended upon the qualities, strength or experience of an individual leader. His works spoke of maintaining the balance of power in favor of the rule of government by any means necessary even by adopting immoral values (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). In the eighteenth century this gave way to the age of enlightenment which sought to ease the ills of society by focusing on reasoning and education of the populace. Within more open and social conditions more political philosophers emerged. On such philosopher was Thomas Aquinas who based his political teachings on his belief in the absolute natural law of Christianity. Rather than debate his teachings Aquinas merely detailed them in his writings saying that each human being had the capacity for doing good deeds and bad. He followed Aristotle’s example of how society is formed into a political body from its beginnings in a single family. That it is a natural extension of mans nature. He believed that those who bear ill will towards their neighbors in society should be punished accordingly to offer justice in the name of natural law. However consideration should be given to those who are inherently imperfect. He believed that political society as a rule was imperfect in the hands of man and the best they could hope for would to reach the finality of their purpose through the blessings of the church (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). One such man John Locke believed that individuality as concept breed anarchy in the state and the control of government was essential to the rule of law and to protect the rights of its citizens and their freedoms. Differing from Aristotle’s viewpoint Locke believed that though a government was necessary it should wielded and used under the consent of the people and maintain peace and prosperity at all cost. He believed that violence was a means of enslavement of the defending party no matter what the reason behind it and that the only way to deal with such violence was to be a pacifist. He says that people have the right to observe the legitimacy of any government they chose. However, his belief also extends to day that certain factions such as religious fanatics and atheists should not be given the same freedoms as other citizens. He says that we should see the rule of a governing body without prejudice and not according to the prevailing situation (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). John Dewey and Henry David Thoreau were two other great thinkers. John Dewey believed in the concept of an organic democracy. Dewey believed that democracy as a way of life and government were quite closely related. He said that any idea in order to succeed at its best must encompass the needs of all institutions, government and families. He believed that a good democracy was the result of proper communications between human being (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). While David Thoreau believed that the true philosophy of man stood in the understanding of nature. This understanding was slowly being destroyed by the needs of the material world. He said that beyond the laws of state and government existed the laws of the human conscience and that the state should recognize that its power comes from its people and respects them accordingly (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). There are obviously several other authors, thinkers and poets who have contributed extensively to this field throughout the realm of history. What they teach us and what we learn is only one of the paths that show us the true meaning of society. Works Cited Marxist Internet Archive. Western Philosophy. 2007. 4 May 2009 . Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Aquinas' Moral, Political, and Legal Philosophy. 2 December 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Aristotle's Political Theory. 1 July 1998. 4 May 2009 . —. Dewey's Political Philosophy. 9 Febuary 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Henry David Thoreau. 30 January 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Henry David Thoreau. 30 June 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Locke's Political Philosophy. November 9 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Niccolò Machiavelli. 13 September 2005. 4 May 2009 . —. Plato's Ethics and Politics in The Republic. 1 April 2003. 4 May 2009 . Read More