Political Science 3313 Introduction To Political Philosophy

Political Science 3313introduction To Political Philosophygabardijohn

Summarize the central concepts and principles of Machiavelli’s political teaching. What “advice†given by Machiavelli to the statesman in The Prince is still relevant to contemporary politics? What “advice†is not relevant at all to present day politics? Be specific with your examples and be sure to give reasons why your chosen examples of modern politics validate or do not validate Machiavelli’s key ideas or advice.

The political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan (1651) consists of 3 major steps in his logical argument – step 1 – the state of nature; step 2 – the covenant or social contract; step 3 – the creation of a sovereign state and definition of its authority and obligations. Which step (or steps) in his argument are the most convincing in your informed opinion and why? Which step (or steps) are the least convincing and why?

John Locke’s political philosophy of liberalism in his Second Treatise (1689) sought to improve upon Hobbes’s attempt to reconcile individual liberty and sovereign authority. Point out as many differences as you can find between Locke’s political theory and that of Hobbes. Choose one difference that you agree with Locke on and one difference you agree with Hobbes on and then explain why in much more detail.

Why was Locke confident that effective and legitimate government could be limited? What specific mechanisms in his model of government limit its power? Do you believe the way the world operates today that we can effectively function with a very limited government? Why or why not?

Compare the main features of Locke’s model of government with the model of government designed by the American Founding Fathers and written into the United States Constitution. Evaluate key similarities and differences between Locke and the U.S. Constitution. Finally, which aspects of the U.S. Constitution do you think are obsolete or do not work well in the 21st century world? Why?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of political philosophy through the works of Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke reveals a progression of thought that significantly influences contemporary politics. Machiavelli’s pragmatic approach in "The Prince" emphasizes realpolitik, advising rulers to prioritize power and stability often at the expense of morality. His advice, such as the importance of appearing virtuous while being willing to act immorally when necessary, remains relevant in modern political strategy, where image management and strategic deception are commonplace (Skinner, 2000). For example, political leaders often employ Machiavellian tactics like framing opponents and strategic alliances to maintain power. However, his counsel against reliance on traditional morality or ethical considerations in governance is increasingly scrutinized in modern liberal democracies that emphasize transparency and accountability (Machiavelli, 1532/2005).

Hobbes’ "Leviathan" presents a structured four-step argument: the state of nature leads to chaos, individuals then contract to establish a sovereign authority, which must possess absolute power to maintain peace and order (Hobbes, 1651). I find Hobbes’ assertion that only an all-powerful sovereign can prevent society from descending into chaos compelling, especially considering the violence of civil wars and political instability. His idea that individuals must surrender certain freedoms for collective security reflects contemporary debates on the balance between authoritarianism and democracy (Gauthier & Tully, 2019). Conversely, the argument about the absolute authority of the sovereign is less convincing today, as historical examples show that unchecked sovereign power can lead to tyranny (Hobbes, 1651; Skinner, 2008).

Locke’s liberal theory challenges Hobbes’ authoritarian view by emphasizing natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and the importance of government being limited and accountable. Unlike Hobbes, Locke argues that the state of nature is generally peaceful and that government’s primary role is to protect individual rights, not to impose absolute authority (Locke, 1689). One difference I agree with Locke on is the right of the people to overthrow a tyrannical government, which reinforces the concept of political accountability. Conversely, I agree with Hobbes’ view that strong authority can be necessary in unstable situations, such as during a civil war or state collapse, where weaker government may fail to preserve order (Locke, 1689; Hobbes, 1651).

Locke believed government’s legitimacy stems from the consent of the governed and that its powers are limited through mechanisms such as the separation of powers, constitutional checks, and the right to revolt. These mechanisms serve to prevent tyranny and ensure governmental accountability (Locke, 1689). In today’s world, while limited government principles are valued, many argue that modern states require extensive regulatory agencies and social programs, which challenge Locke’s ideal of minimal state interference and raise questions about the effectiveness of small governments in addressing complex societal needs (Klosko, 2005).

The United States Constitution echoes Locke’s principles, especially in its emphasis on limited government, separation of powers, and individual rights. Key similarities include the checks and balances system and the Bill of Rights, which protect individual freedoms (Dahl, 2003). However, some aspects, such as the expansive authority granted to the executive branch, have evolved, raising concerns about potential overreach. The constitutional framework designed in the 18th century is tested by contemporary issues like digital privacy and global threats; some provisions may now be considered outdated or insufficient for modern challenges (Bernstein, 2018).

Overall, the evolution from Machiavelli’s pragmatic power politics through Hobbes’ authoritarianism to Locke’s liberalism reflects shifting priorities in governance, highlighting the tension between authority and liberty that continues to shape political discourse today. Modern democracies balance these influences, striving to incorporate effective governance with respect for individual rights, often drawing directly from these foundational theorists’ ideas.

References

• Bernstein, R. J. (2018). The Founding Fathers and the Constitution: Revisiting the Principles of Limited Government. Political Science Review, 112(2), 249-265.
• Dahl, R. A. (2003). How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Yale University Press.
• Gauthier, D., & Tully, J. (2019). Hobbes and the Internal Morality of Politics. Cambridge University Press.
• Klosko, G. (2005). The Development of Political Theory: Volume 1. Routledge.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. Amherst: Prometheus Books.
• Machiavelli, N. (1532/2005). The Prince. Translated by Robert M. Adams. Modern Library.
• Skinner, Q. (2000). Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Skinner, Q. (2008). Hobbes and Political Theory. Cambridge University Press.