Session 1 Flashcards
What is Scientific Theory
a set of ideas used to explain the behavior of a phenomenon that typically contains a hypothesis with an emphasis on empiricism and falsification
What is a Philosophical Worldview
a complex set of interlocking ideas that help people make sense of the world around them with emphasis on beliefs and logical reasoning
What is the difference between philosophy and science?
Science can be tested empirically while philosophy cannot
Who is Thucydides?
Thucydides was an Athenian historian and war general that recounts his version of the Peloponnesian War
What is the Peloponnesian War?
It was a war that occurred in Ancient Greece and lasted roughly 30 years. It was a proxy War between Athenians and Spartans. Athenians were an up-and-coming power that threatened Spartan dominance. The dispute was over a land called Epidammus. In the War Corinth allied with Sparta and Corcyra allied with Athens
According to Thucydides what was the cause of the War(long anwser)
The growth of Athenian Power and the fear it caused in Sparta. The Spartans declared War not because they felt sympathy for the Corinth people but rather because of the threat it imposed on their land and wanted to stop the growth of Athenian power. So essentially, there were security threats pertaining to the change in power from Sparta to Athens
How do states act when the balance shifts?
They go to War because they need to preserve their security
According to Thucydides what are the 3 things that power enables?
Honor, Security, and Self Interest (HSS)
What is the primary cause of War?
Insecurity changed by the shift in power
What is the secondary cause of War?
Human nature–the drive for power and the drive for security. Thucydides said that it is human nature for those born into power, to want to protect their rights and privilege. He said that it is a rule for the weak to submit to the strong.
According to Machiavelli, what characteristics make for an effective political leader and why?
- One’s main concern should be war
- One should be concerned with practical reality, not ideals.
- You shouldn’t be too nice or too mean.
What are Machiavelli’s 2 strongest beliefs?
- War will help you attain and maintain power
- Violence is the purest form of power
What is economic conservatism?
The idea that generosity exhausts your resources so you should be sparing with public finances
What is the practical guide to politics?
all actions should benefit the state or promote the preservation of the ruler. Any act, no matter how unpleasant, is acceptable if it ensures the continuation of the state
What is Machiavelli’s position on virtue and morality?
There is no space for morality or ethics in politics. One may be good in their personal life, but in matters of state, this can result in other states being taken advantage of.
