policitical ideologies Flashcards
Political ideology:
A set of beliefs or values that guide political actions and outline the ideal role of government, society, and economy.
Political philosophy
The study of fundamental questions about governance, justice, rights, law, and the nature of political power.
Praxis:
The process by which theory is enacted or practiced in real-world scenarios; theory applied through action.
3 components of a political ideology:
Typically these include beliefs about human nature, the role of the state, and the economic system.
Scientific revolution:
A period during the 16th and 17th centuries where key developments in science fundamentally changed the understanding of the natural world.
Reformation
A religious movement in the 16th century aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of Protestant churches.
Sovereignty
The supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself or another state without interference.
Territoriality
The assertion of control over a specific geographic area or boundary.
Nation
A group of people who share a common identity, culture, language, and often a history, which may or may not have a political state.
State
A political entity with defined territory, government, and sovereignty recognized internationally.
Liberty
The state of being free within society, particularly in relation to freedom from oppressive restrictions.
Constitutionalism
the belief in a system of government based on a constitution that limits government power and ensures the protection of individual rights.
Equality versus equity:
Equality refers to giving everyone the same resources, whereas equity involves allocating resources based on individual needs or circumstances.
Ascribed versus achieved status:
Ascribed status is a social position assigned at birth (e.g., race, gender), while achieved status is earned through personal actions or accomplishments.
Night watchman state:
A minimal state model that only exists to protect individuals’ rights (through law enforcement and national defense) without extensive intervention in other areas.
State of nature:
A hypothetical condition used in political philosophy to explore the natural condition of human beings without organized society or government.
Laws of nature:
Fundamental principles that govern human behavior, often discussed in the context of natural law theory.
Locke’s conception of property
John Locke argued that property is derived from one’s labor; individuals have the right to own property by mixing their labor with natural resources.
Limitations to property (3 types)
Locke’s limitations include: 1) the spoilage limitation (don’t take more than you can use), 2) the sufficiency limitation (leave enough for others), and 3) the mixed labor limitation (property must be acquired through labor).
Express versus tacit consent
Express consent is explicitly given (e.g., signing a contract), whereas tacit consent is implied through actions or passivity.
Capitalism
An economic system where the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit, with minimal government interference.
Comparative advantage:
The principle that states that countries or individuals should specialize in the production of goods or services in which they have the lowest opportunity cost.
Enlightenment
A cultural and intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism toward traditional authority, particularly in politics and religion.
Tutelage
The state of being under the care or protection of a more knowledgeable or experienced entity, often referring to the process of individuals or societies gaining maturity or self-governance.
Negative versus positive liberty:
Negative liberty is the freedom from external constraints, while positive liberty is the freedom to control and fulfill one’s own potential.
The ‘good life’:
A philosophical concept concerned with living a fulfilling, virtuous, and meaningful life.
Social justice:
The idea that individuals should have equal access to opportunities and resources, and that societal structures should be organized to eliminate inequities.
Harm principle:
A principle articulated by John Stuart Mill stating that individuals should be free to act however they wish unless their actions harm others.
Tyranny of the majority
A situation where the majority’s interest or opinion oppresses the rights of a minority.
Living wage
A wage sufficient to meet the basic needs of an individual or family, including shelter, food, and healthcare.
Welfare state:
A system in which the government assumes responsibility for providing the welfare of its citizens, particularly in terms of healthcare, education, and social security.
Rights-based liberalism versus utility-based liberalism:
Rights-based liberalism focuses on the protection of individual rights, while utility-based liberalism emphasizes the maximization of overall well-being or happiness.
Equality of opportunity
The idea that all individuals should have the same chances to succeed in life, regardless of their background.
“Golden age of controlled capitalism”
A period, often referred to as the mid-20th century, where capitalist economies were heavily regulated by governments to ensure stability and growth.
Bretton Woods Institutions
The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Trade Organization (WTO), created in 1944 to promote international economic cooperation.
Britain as the “workshop of the world”:
A term used during the Industrial Revolution to describe Britain’s role as a leading producer of goods, particularly manufactured products.
Keynesian welfare state (3 types of activities):
Activities within a Keynesian welfare state include: 1) fiscal policies to manage economic stability, 2) social programs to support vulnerable populations, and 3) regulation of the economy to prevent excesses.
Privatization
The process of transferring ownership and control of government services or assets to private entities.
Deregulation
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an industry to encourage competition and reduce costs.
IMF (International Monetary Fund)
An international financial institution that provides monetary cooperation and financial stability by offering loans to member countries in need.
WB (World Bank):
A global financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of developing countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
WTO (World Trade Organization)
An international organization that deals with the global rules of trade between nations, aiming to ensure trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.
Meritocracy
: A system in which individuals are selected or promoted based on their abilities, talents, and achievements rather than on their social background or wealth.
Globalization
The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, leading to more interconnected economies and societies.
Libertarianism
A political philosophy that advocates for minimal government intervention in both personal and economic affairs, prioritizing individual liberty and personal responsibility.
Free rider problem:
A situation where individuals or organizations benefit from a service or resource without contributing to its cost, leading to under-provision of the service.
Rational utility maximizer:
The assumption in economics that individuals make decisions to maximize their own benefit or satisfaction based on rational calculations.
Entitlement theory:
A theory of justice that holds that individuals are entitled to the goods they acquire through legitimate means, such as labor or voluntary exchange.
Non-aggression principl
A key principle in libertarianism that states that the initiation of force or coercion against others is inherently wrong.
Self-ownership:
The concept that individuals have the right to control their own bodies and lives, free from external interference.
Hierarchy of help model
A framework for prioritizing the allocation of aid or resources, often emphasizing the importance of self-reliance first, then familial or community support, followed by state intervention.
