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Poli Sci > Final > Flashcards

Final Flashcards

1
Q

What is politics

A

-the study of power
-concerned with collective decision making
-a social activity

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2
Q

Two main concerns for politics

A
  1. What are the appropriate limits of the political realm?
  2. Is politics concerned with cooperation or conflict?
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3
Q

Political thinking:

A

A problem/issue/puzzle
Competing views on how to analyze the issue

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4
Q

Expensive political view

A

Everything is political, the personal is political

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5
Q

Narrow political view

A

Politics concern the functioning of the city, focus on public life. The boundaries of public life is still being disputed.

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6
Q

Warner on gender and
Sexuality

A

The personal is political = an social arrangements are power-laden

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7
Q

Warners is politics concerned with cooperation or conflicts.

A

Conflict seems inevitable as society contains different interests and values

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8
Q

3 big political questions to follow

A
  1. What values should political decisions serve?
  2. Who does/should make the decisions?
  3. How should the decisions be enforced?
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9
Q

Reading for political life

A

Micheal warner

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10
Q

3 approaches for the study of politics

A
  1. Normative
  2. Empirical
  3. Semantic
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11
Q

Normative analysis

A

Questions about values = what kind of society should we want or value?

Necessary to the function of politics

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12
Q

Empirical analysis

A

Indetifying observable phenomena

About how things are not now the ought to be

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13
Q

Semantic analysis

A

Focuses on the meaning of concepts- their origins and why/how we use them.

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14
Q

2 major approaches of empirical thinking

A
  1. Deductive reasoning
  2. Inductive reasoning
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15
Q

Deductive reasoning:

A

Creates theories from first principles

EX: rational choice theory

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16
Q

Inductive reasoning

A

Generalizations drawn from empirical observations

EX: behaviourism

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17
Q

What is the state?

A

A political community where a single mechanism exercises supreme authority within a given territory

The concept of the state varies across space and time.

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18
Q

What historical event is associated with the Treaty of Westphalia?

A

Response to decades of conflicts in Europe, enshrined norms of non-interference

The European model of the state was later exported, often by force through colonialism.

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19
Q

What are the three characteristics of the state according to Weber?

A
  • Bounded territory
  • Ultimate authority
  • Ability to use force

Weber’s definition emphasizes the state’s structural attributes.

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20
Q

According to Marx, what is the state?

A

An apparatus (‘superstructure’) that produces and protects capitalism (‘mode of production’)

Marx argues that the primary function of the state is to entrench and enforce class relations.

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21
Q

How do Weber and Marx differ in their descriptions of the state?

A
  • Weber: State as an apparatus of power
  • Marx: State as a result of power

This highlights their differing perspectives on the nature and function of the state.

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22
Q

What is Locke’s primary purpose for the state?

A

To protect private property

Locke’s view emphasizes the state’s role in safeguarding individual rights and property.

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23
Q

Fill in the blank: The state varies across _______ and _______.

A

[space] and [time]

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24
Q

True or False: The Treaty of Westphalia established norms of interference among European states.

A

False

The Treaty established norms of non-interference.

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25
Q

What pressures exist on Weber’s definition of the state?

A

Various interpretations and critiques, particularly from Marxist perspectives

The definition of the state is subject to debate and can vary based on theoretical frameworks.

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26
Q

What is political theory?

A

Theories that ask questions about governance, institutions, and societal ideals

Key questions include virtues required for good governance, necessary institutions for a good society, and the ideals a good society should promote.

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27
Q

What virtues does good governance require according to political theory?

A

Strong, capable, courageous, seeking glory

These virtues reflect a Roman sense of virtue as discussed by Machiavelli.

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28
Q

Who wrote ‘The Prince’?

A

Machiavelli

Machiavelli wrote ‘The Prince’ while he was in exile and focused on the traits a virtuous prince should possess.

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29
Q

What is the significance of context in understanding historical thought?

A

We cannot understand historical thought without its context

This lesson is emphasized in Machiavelli’s work.

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30
Q

Who is associated with the concept of the ‘Veil of Ignorance’?

A

Rawls

John Rawls introduced the ‘Veil of Ignorance’ as a way to consider principles of justice.

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31
Q

What does the ‘Veil of Ignorance’ ask individuals to consider?

A

How to set up the institutions of society without knowledge of personal circumstances

This includes ignorance of place in society, class, social status, wealth, talents, natural abilities, opinions about good/justice/values, and levels of optimism/pessimism/risk-taking.

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32
Q

What personal characteristics are obscured behind the ‘Veil of Ignorance’?

A

Place in society, class, social status, wealth, talents, natural abilities, opinion about good/justice/values, natural levels of optimism/pessimism/risk-taking

This obscurity is essential for fair decision-making in creating a just society.

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33
Q

Fill in the blank: Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ emphasizes the importance of a virtuous _______.

A

[prince]

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34
Q

True or False: The ‘Veil of Ignorance’ allows individuals to consider their social status when designing societal institutions.

A

False

The concept specifically removes knowledge of social status to promote fairness.

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35
Q

What are the basic facts about humans?

A

Humans need to eat and cannot fly

These are fundamental biological and physical characteristics of humans.

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36
Q

What are some basic facts about human psychology?

A

Humans are roughly equal, have likes/dislikes, and have beliefs

This highlights the shared traits and individual preferences of humans.

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37
Q

What does moderate scarcity imply?

A

We do not have unlimited material resources

This concept emphasizes the limitations of resources available to society.

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38
Q

What are the two basic principles of Rawls’ view?

A
  1. Equal basic liberty
  2. Equal offices

These principles advocate for fairness and equality in society as articulated by philosopher John Rawls.

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39
Q

What is the difference principle according to Rawls?

A

It allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society

This principle is part of Rawls’ theory of justice.

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40
Q

Why have a state and a government?

A

To exert power

This highlights the necessity of governance for maintaining order and authority in society.

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41
Q

True or False: Power equals authority.

A

False

Power refers to the ability to coerce, while authority is recognized and accepted power.

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42
Q

What does power impress?

A

Coercion

This emphasizes the forceful aspect of power in social dynamics.

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43
Q

What does authority not do?

A

Impress coercion

Authority relies on legitimacy rather than force.

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44
Q

What is legitimate political authority?

A

The right to command and the right to be obeyed

Distinct from power, which is the ability to compel compliance.

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45
Q

What is de jure authority synonymous with?

A

Political authority

De jure authority is recognized as legitimate.

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46
Q

What compels de facto authority?

A

Force

An example is a mugger, who uses force to compel compliance.

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47
Q

Define autonomy in the context of political authority.

A

Freedom to govern oneself combined with responsibility to use our reason

Autonomy assumes that individuals have an obligation to use their reason.

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48
Q

What are the assumptions of autonomy?

A
  • Obligation to use reason
  • Humans are responsible for their actions
  • Responsibility requires consideration of one’s actions

This includes self-legislating.

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49
Q

What is the problem with authority and autonomy for Wolff?

A

Humans are defined by their autonomy, while the state is defined through its authority

There is no clear room for reconciliation.

50
Q

What are the reasons we obey authority?

A
  • Tradition
  • Official positions
  • Extraordinary characteristics

These factors influence compliance with authority.

51
Q

What does the State of Nature refer to?

A

A pre-social state of affairs

It varies enormously amongst thinkers.

52
Q

What is the Social Contract?

A

A thought exercise that can be real or hypothetical

It explores the legitimacy of political authority.

53
Q

Define consent in the context of political authority.

A

Agreeable or favourable disposition to a proposition

Consent can be hypothetical, tacit, or explicit.

54
Q

What is hypothetical consent?

A

Consent that never really happened

It raises questions about what people would consent to.

55
Q

What is tacit consent?

A

Silent or unspoken consent

It implies agreement without verbal acknowledgment.

56
Q

What is explicit consent?

A

Defined articulation of consent

It involves clear communication of agreement.

57
Q

What was Thomas Hobbes’ view of the state of nature?

A

A horrible place where life is ‘nasty, brutish, and short’

This view underscores the need for social contracts.

58
Q

Why do we need a contract according to Hobbes?

A

To create stability

The contract requires majority consent to give authority to the sovereign.

59
Q

What does Hobbes’ contract require?

A

Majority consent to give authority to sovereign

It involves acquisition of the sovereign’s authority.

60
Q

What were John Locke’s natural laws?

A
  • Duty not to harm others
  • Duty to preserve self
  • Duty to preserve others wherever possible

These laws govern human interactions in Locke’s state of nature.

61
Q

Why do we need a contract according to Locke?

A

It is inconvenient to obey three natural laws

The contract requires unanimous individual consent.

62
Q

What do Wolff, Locke, and Hobbes recognize?

A

Conflict between people and authority

Each philosopher offers a different solution to this conflict.

63
Q

What is Wolff’s stance on political authority?

A

No legitimate political authority, but states are important/fact of life

This perspective emphasizes the conflict between autonomy and authority.

64
Q

What is Hobbes’ solution to the conflict between people and authority?

A

Consent, probably a monarch

Hobbes believes in a strong sovereign to maintain order.

65
Q

What is Locke’s solution to the conflict between people and authority?

A

Consent with results varying

Locke emphasizes individual rights and collective agreement.

66
Q

Define democracy

A
  • no universally accepted definition
  • promotion of common good and political equality
67
Q

Competing theories of democracy

A

I. Protective theory
2. Participation theory
3. Deliberative democracy

68
Q

protective theory

A

Direct democracy is unrealistic/ undesirable

69
Q

Participatory theory

A

Active participation creates better citizens

70
Q

Deliberative democracy

A

Debate increases legitimacy of democratic designs

71
Q

3 ways of evaluating democracy

A
  • Is it good in itself
  • is it good for it’s effects
  • does it have good side effects
72
Q

Who writes for democracy

A

Sen

73
Q

What is a universal value

A

Doesn’t need to be accepted by everyone but everyone has a reason to accept it

74
Q

Why is ideology important?

A
  • Very influential
    -Organizes our interpretations of facts/ events/ actions
75
Q

What is a political ideology

A

A set of ideas, beliefs, opinions, and values that:
-Demonstrate a recurring pattern
- are held by significant groups
- aim to influence the public

76
Q

The left-right spectrum

A
  • Attempt to impose clarity for ideologies
77
Q

What is ideological denial

A
  • For many, ideology is a bad word
  • some deny that they are ideologies at all
78
Q

Ideologies terminology

A
  • They seek to control political languageand interpret them differently
  • they are political tools and not rigorous.
79
Q

Marxism defined

A

Critiques capitalism, main focuses on class struggle and economic relations

Aiming for a classless and a stateless society

80
Q

Liberalism core principles

A
  • Liberty, individualism, freedom, equality, toleration, consent

Morally neutral

81
Q

3 types of liberalism

A
  1. Classical liberalism( limited role of state)
  2. Modern liberalism ( more sympathetic to state intervention)
  3. Neoliberalism (return to classic liberalism)
82
Q

Are there alternatives to liberalism

A

No real alternatives

83
Q

How does Brooks characterize conservatism

A
  • Sentiment over reason, trust in emotional responses and values cultural wisdom
  • not limited to institutions, includes Development of good citizens
84
Q

What is Brook’s core arguments

A
  • American conservatism is in tension with itself
  • values stability and change and is materialist and morally rooted
85
Q

What reasons does BrookS offer to answer ‘how did conservatism devolve into trumpism’

A

Race, economics, loss of national confidence

86
Q

Conservatism core values

A

Value tradition, anxiety about charge, authority, hierarchy ,human perfection ,property

87
Q

Socialism core principels

A

Community, equality, social class, common ownership

88
Q

Nationalism

A

Sole focus on the rule of the nation (thin ideology)

89
Q

Populism

A
  • Anti - elite, identifies with the people, claim that people of power are damaging the people’s interests.
90
Q

Anarchism

A

Rejection of state, societybased on agreement and cooperation

91
Q

Feminism

A
  • Gender inequality is unjust
  • critiques the way ideologies are mapped
92
Q

Are political parties and ideologies always in line with eachother

A

No!

93
Q

What is the main goal of identity politics

A

Self determination for a specific identity group

94
Q

What are 2 main beliefs underlying identity politics

A
  1. Identities are repositories of knowledge
  2. An o pressed group must lead their own liberation
95
Q

What is intersectionality in the context of identity politics

A

The idea that no axis of identity can be understood separately from others

96
Q

What makes race political?

A

Race is undeniably political, both in it’s consents and consequences

97
Q

What is the problem of strategic essentialism in identity politics

A

Using simplified definitions of identity for strategic purposes, which man ignore complex intersectionality of identities.

98
Q

How does identity politics relate to liberal ideals

A

Identity politics is generally seen as an extension of liberal ideas, focusing on libration for marginalized groups

99
Q

How is race defined?

A

Race is socially constructed over time, and it is conceptually fuzzy with subjective self- identification

100
Q

Why is collecting data based on race important?

A

It aids in recognition, but requires the creation of categories, with benefits likely out-weighing the harm

101
Q

What are 2 pervasive ideas in Canadian political science regarding race?

A
  • the 2 founding nations and anti- Americanism
102
Q

What is the main critique of focusing on elites/institutions in Canadian political science?

A

Minorities are underrepresented in studies that focus on elites/institutions

103
Q

Key take away from identity politics

A

Identities matter, are mutable, and identity politics is held to different standards than other approaches

104
Q

What’s the critical question raised about identities in identity politics?

A

Are identities real?

They are socially constructed and embody social facts about ourselves and the world.

105
Q

What’s the recommended direction for future political science work on race in Canada

A

Reconsider the focus on elites and institutions, and recognize the pervasiveness of race across subfeilds.

106
Q

What is political culture?

A

A shared way of life, including ideas values beliefs and orientations toward the political sy stem, distinct from public opinion

107
Q

Why is political culture important?

A

It explains the differences between people and states, why some groups hold power, and a regime’s legitimacy

108
Q

What conceptual challenges exist when studying political culture?

A

Incorrect assumptions about a single political culture unclear relationships between altitudes and institutions, and the reciprocal influence of culture and the state

109
Q

What puzzle does the study by Banting, harell, and kymlicka adress

A

It addresses the marginalization of minorities within national communities and explores whether inclusion is possible under certain conditions

110
Q

What method did Banting, Harrell, and Kymlicka use in their study

A

They used an experimental survey with 1200 participants Te test responses from various groups including, seniors,French speaking quebeckers, immigrants, and aboriginal peoples

111
Q

What were the findings on the study on minorities claim making

A

Minority groups face membership penalties, with their right to make claims seen as lower than the majority

112
Q

What lingering normative issue did the study identify

A

Why should the legitimacy of minorities be dictated by majority perceptions?

113
Q

What are the key difference between multiculturalism and assimilation

A

Multiculturalism celebrates and affirms diversity

Assimilation seeks Te bread individuals into a single national culture

114
Q

When did Canada establish it’s multicultural policy

A

Muticuturaism joining the charter in 1982 and the multiculturalism act in 1988

115
Q

What is kumiicka’s approach to balancingmulticulturalism with liberalism

A

Reconciles liberalism with multiculturalism by arguing that culture enables individual autonomy and is valuable for self- respect

116
Q

What shift occurred in Canadas treatment of immigrants/ ethic groups

A

The assimilationist approach was replaced by a point-system and multicultural integration

117
Q

What is a Key claim of indigenous groups in Canada?

A

The key claim is self-determinations moving from paternalism to self-government

118
Q

What was the impact of the quiet revolution in Quebec?

A

It led to linguistic equality for French speakers, cumulating in the official language act of 1969

119
Q

What are the critiques of multiculturalism according to guy rocher?

A

Rocker argues that muticulturaism undermines Canada’s bicultural und binational nature - serving as a front for engish-language assimilation

120
Q

What are some achievements and challenges of Canadian multiculturalism?

A

Achievements include recognition of demographic diversity and a shift towards heterogeneity.

Challenges include obscuring structural inequities and maintaining a vertical mosaic of inequalities

121
Q

What are some critiques of multiculturalism

A

It reinforces essentialist views of culture ,threatens political stability, and can lead to social breakdown

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