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Political Science

Political Science. A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS THAT EXAMINES THE IMPACT OF RELIGION, NATIONALISM, AND OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS ON HUMAN ACTIONS. IT INCORPORATES STUDIES OF LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. Historic Political Practices.

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Political Science

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  1. Political Science A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS THAT EXAMINES THE IMPACT OF RELIGION, NATIONALISM, AND OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS ON HUMAN ACTIONS. IT INCORPORATES STUDIES OF LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

  2. Historic Political Practices • Egypt – 2700 BCE – absolute power in the government was given to the Pharaoh (king). • The religious principals found in Qur’an guided early Muslim societies, rulers and governments. • The religious laws were incorporated into daily life. • Evidence of a close link between Religion and Politics. • Philosopher - Confucius - and China’s Tang Dynasty – emphasized the importance of ethical and efficient bureaucracy. • The preservation of the people must be every rulers first concern. • “A King who exploits the people for his personal gains is like a man who cuts his own thighs to feed himself.”

  3. The Growing Trend with Politics • It appears the Plato and Aristotle’s open philosophical discussions in the 4th century BCE regarding good and evil led to a merger of ethics, morality, and politics. • Governments that would strive for the common good of society. • Aristocracy or Polity – as previously discussed in class.

  4. 1513 CE - Niccolo Machiavelli • Introduced the separation of ethics from politics. • Machiavelli recorded the political trends of his Native land – Florence, Italy. • Politicians should be concerned with what could succeed the government – not a concern of right or wrong. • Appearance is everything in Politics (as he recorded) : • “…Leaders should always appear to be religious, merciful, and honest, regardless of their true character and action. If lying keeps the power, the prince should lie. It is better for a ruler to be feared than to be loved, yet a ruler should avoid being hated...”

  5. Machiavelli – continued… • It is important to note that Machiavelli did not necessarily believe that this is idealistic – rather he was reporting the political trends of his day in Florence, Italy. • The study of political science from this era on, examines the role that self interest plays in individual political action. • Think of a recent or current political figure – does self interest corrupt ? Is the common good a concern?

  6. Modern Political Science • Thomas Hobbes – 17th Century • Sought to provide a secular rationale for “dictatorship” • 1 ruler • “He believed that people fear anarchy enough to surrender their freedom to an absolute ruler in exchange for peace, security and rule of law.” • John Locke – argued that human beings have certain rights such as life, liberty and property • A constitution or contract needs to be established with a government to maintain order and protect each others rights. • This officially gives the people a right to rebel or protest when rights are violated.

  7. Modern Political Science – continued. • Jean – Jacques Rousseau • Even a constitution could be corrupt. • Constitutions need to be reshaped to protect the rights of all – not just a few. • The natural innocence of human beings is corrupted by society – personal interest takes over • Rousseau questioned the idea of private property and the assumption that the will of the majority is always correct. • Adam Smith and Baron de Montesquieu • ‘The least government is the best government’ • Used England as the example in that there is a balance of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. Stressed that this model should be imitated. Consequently the Constitution of the United States of America was influenced by this mentality.

  8. Think / Pair / Share • If you believe that the human condition is a detriment to current politics, do you believe it to be important for people like Jullian Assange, founder of wikileaks, to share their facts with the world? • Think about this and discuss with a partner after watching this brief video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm9MZUOA7fA&feature=related

  9. Class Activity / Homework • Please read pages 10-11 in the text book • New Disciplines and Modern Political Science • Political Ideals and Political Realities • Answer questions 3, 5, 6 for Homework

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