Roots of Western Political Thought

Question 1

what is western civilization

4

Answer 1

• not based on geography (not to be confused with historical expansion)
• revolves around universal ideas than racial/ethnic
• supranational & supraracial=adaptable, dynamic, enduring
• shapes ethical, legal, economic, social, and political structures around the world

Question 2

history of western political thought

2

Answer 2

• born in mediterranean (greece, palestine, italy) then spread thru europe & middle east then to asia & africa
• from egypt (christian before islam where greco-judaeo-christian civilization thrived (bible) then spread thru colonialization from spain & portugal to south & central africa, england (w/ language, customs, laws, & religion) to N. Am. & Australia, and from French to Quebec)

Question 3

where is the center of western political thought

Answer 3

changes from time to time
* antiquity: athens, jerusalem, rome
* dark ages: byzantium (cultural, literary & administrative leadership)
* 17th-18th century: Paris
* 19th century: London
* present: New York

Question 4

3 roots of western political thought

Answer 4

greek rationalism
jewish monotheism
christian love

Question 5

what is greek rationalism

4

Answer 5

• use & belief of reason
• rationalism as way of life & core political concept in past and present
• did not start from scratch (influenced by Oriental people) but original bec they did not derive their thoughts from the people directly
• sympathy & friendship

Question 6

what is jewish monotheism

6

Answer 6

• brotherhood of mankind and one world ruled by higher law above human whim and arbitrariness
• first to live their life around it and base their thought, ethics, law, and govt on monotheism
• practical expression of thought in action
• moral code
• act justly
• compassion & charity

Question 7

what is christian love

3

Answer 7

• basis of people’s relationship with God and each other
• unconditional love
• love=life; human equality

Question 8

what are the causes of contradiction between the 3 roots

3

Answer 8

• only as guiding ideals but not practiced
• contradicting ideas
• tension between Greeks, Jews & Christianity (persecution)