Term
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Definition
| Human nature, role of the individual, role of the state, political authority, the economic and social order |
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Term
| John Stuart Mill's Harm Principle |
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Definition
| States that only those who do harm to others should be susceptible to state authority. |
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Term
| John Stuart Mill's 'Tyranny of the Majority' |
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Definition
| The idea that democracy was putting too much power in the hands of the majority, who might impose their views on the minority. This would result in a loss of individuality and freedom. |
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Term
| Supporters of Inherently Good Human Nature |
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Definition
| Mencius, Socrates, Rousseau, Marx, Islamic concept of Fitrah |
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Term
| Supporters of Inherently Bad Human Nature |
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Definition
| Hobbes, Nietzche, Xun Zi, Freud, Augustine, Christian doctrine of original sin |
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Term
| Dictatorship of the Proletariat |
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Definition
| A period in Marx's plan for transition to pure communism, in which a government would rule in a tyrannical fashion in order to implement proletarian rule and guard against the reemergence of bourgeois interests. |
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Term
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Definition
| A reasonably consistent system of political beliefs that aspires to explain the world, to justify certain power relationships and to maintain/transform existing institutions. |
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Term
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Definition
- A positive view on human nature
- Views society as a product of the economy
- All of history is one class struggle
- Revolution is needed
- Social justice comes only with common ownership |
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Term
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Definition
- A positive view of human nature
- Autonomy of the individual is important
- Laissez-faire economy
- The will of the people is key
- Did not believe everyone had the right to vote
- Freedom is liberty from being told what to do
- Equality is equal treatment under law
- No need for social welfare; limited government intervention |
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Term
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Definition
- Mixed view of human nature
- Self interest is eventually harmful
- Society is composed of a hierarchy of layers
- Equality is not that important
- Societal stability is important
- Mixed views of the economy
- Limited elctorate; elites have right to rule but are responsible for the welfare of others
- Law and order
- Customs and traditions are important |
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