Understanding Political History

Understanding political history is a critical phase in the political world. The primary aim of this article is to compose a review of numerous chapters from the book 'Political Theory.' This book was written by a man named Harvey Mansfield. Finally, this article will focus on and discuss my favorite thinker.
“A Student's Guide to Political Philosophy” opens with an introductory note that explains where to find Political culture (Mansfield 1). Scholarly books written by writers such as Rousseau, Locke, Aristotle, and Plato are a fine example. Political Philosophy, according to the text, can also be found outside of texts. It is quoted that this type of philosophy is evident is actual politics (Mansfield 1). In such cases, Political Philosophy occurs in areas on its first Strivings.

The third page revolves around Partisan Differences. It talks about particular groups such as Stockbrokers and schoolteachers. In reference to this book; despite the fact that each side is different from one another, both of them share a common goal when it comes appealing for something that is of common good to them (Mansfield 3). Political Philosophy comes in when the Judge involved has to make a Partisan decision. Political Philosophy also aims at judging political partisans by entering into political debates.

Page six defines how this Philosophy reaches for the best regime. The Political World is very complex; finding a good regime is very difficult (Mansfield 6). According to the book, Political science is very important when it comes to putting an end to Partisan disputes. A number of theories and facts have been developed by this science (Mansfield 6). Despite the fact that Political history and Philosophy differ/contrast from one another, both of them are important when it comes to the comprehension of politics.

In page ten, the book starts talking about the origin of Natural Right (Mansfield 10). A brief analysis about Cicero who was a Roman Orator and Philosopher is laid out. According to Cicero; the Socrates were the first people to call out for Philosophy and place it in homes and cities. In reference to the book; Political Philosophy began way before the Socratics were Philosophers (Mansfield 10). The relation between the Socrates, political science and Political Philosophy is well discussed until Page 16.

The topic about Political animal is discussed from page 17. This section/topic of the book describes how Plato (a student of Aristotle) made his beginning from Partisan Politics using a different tack/method (Mansfield 17). According to this part of the book; Aristotle had the best form of regime. His regime was much loftier and had higher philosophic virtues. Aristotle used a mixed regime that was composed of oligarchy and democracy (Mansfield 24). Aristotle’s efforts on different forms of regimes are discussed widely.

Man is defined as a political animal because he has the ability to differentiate from what is good and bad, Just and unjust to the society (Mansfield 27). Opposed to other animals that are gregarious in nature; man can also feel pain as well as pleasure. This topic also defines/describes how one can distinguish between “what is by nature” and what is “according to nature”. Cicero’s writing on Natural Law and Political philosophy are well discussed as well as the natural right and justice (Mansfield 29). Plato and Aristotle both agreed that natural justice and right are different from one another and are not identical in anyway.

Part 2

Page 35 comes to an end after describing on the motives of Machiavelli. According to this page of the book, Machiavelli quotes “There is no contest as to who should rule, but only a conflict between those who want to rule and those who do not want to be ruled (Mansfield 35).” According to Machiavelli; both sides are difficult to merge and understand each other. Political Systems are described in page 36 (Mansfield 36). It describes how the ancient people tried to understand nature and consider everything from different angles or viewpoints. Thomas Hobbes is the main proponent is this topic.

The latter pages talk about Hobbes and his understanding of political philosophy. It also describes how he saw the problem of wars based on religion (Mansfield 40). According to the book; the Catholic, Anglican and protestant churches were in constant conflicts due to poor political systems and ideologies. This part of the book also explains how Thomas Hobbes came up with a novel known as “State of nature.” The novel was very important especially in changing the concept of politics and principles of people in the modern life. It also explains what modern life means and entails.

Thomas Hobbes is represented as a democrat who did not want a universal state (Mansfield 43). It is stated that he came up with devices that were used for avoiding the consequences of assuming/imagining different states of nature. This book also states that all men are equal when it comes to nature; this makes them rivals/competitors when looking for life necessities. This is where political Philosophy comes in (Mansfield 43). There has to be some form of Government and regulation measure to ensure that men do not disagree or fight each other due to common interests/needs.

The Bourgeois Self’ is described as from page 44 (Mansfield 44). Under this topic Rousseau focuses on “The Self”. This concept is behind Hobbes notion on self-preservation. Rousseau further describes that one is in a social sense if they selfish and anxious about the lives of other people. Rousseau’s attempt to create a new man is also written in the book as well as Kant’s morality based on categorical imperative. Rousseau’s great surge of hostility towards the bourgeoisie in the 19th and 20th century is also given a head start. A summary of the people that he influenced is also laid out.

The issue on sovereignty is also given attention and emphasis. This book clearly quotes that Sovereignty ought to be absolute; any interruption may lead to the division of power. Just like Machiavelli; Hobbes wanted a solution that was permanent when it comes to religious partisanships (Mansfield 47). The only differences between these scholars were the opinions that each one had. Machiavelli had reduced Partisan opinions into two humors while Hobbes had increased his options to three. Hobbes had a fundamental opinion on the concept of fear. Fear is identified as a motive that is universal among all men; it is also given priority over all motives.

A brief biography is given about John Locke from page 41. According to the book; Locke was interested in Politics and philosophy. He was a prominent Political activist who drafted the constitution for the Carolina colony (Mansfield 48). John Locke’s main philosophical book “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” is analyzed in detail. The argument on Private property in relation to the modern economy is also discussed on this book.



Favorite Thinker

In reference to this book, my favorite thinker is John Locke. He was born in the year 1632 and died in 1704 (Moseley 17). Locke is my favorite thinker because of several reasons. According to this book; his previous and latter works are of great significance. His ideologies are well arranged and easy to understand. John Locke had a brilliant mind when it came to imagination and assuming things (Moseley 24). This made him to be regarded as the founder/father of the school of thought. His contributions to various theories were outstanding.

Some of them include the Liberal and Limited government theories. John Locke is also my favorite thinker since he argues on different angle or perspective as compared to other thinkers (Moseley 28). Based on my perspective, the discussions raised in his book are very unique and informational. Through Locke’s ideas and theories; I am able to understand and account for any knowledge acquired. I am also able to understand my language as well as any other foreign language.

Acquiring/understanding is something that not everyone is capable of; Locke tries to gap the bridge of understanding (Moseley 37). He is also my favorite thinker since I am able to understand my personality as well as personhood. His influences and roles are also significant in matters such as property and toleration. Very few people in the society have disagreed with his theories and ideas (Moseley 45). This means that his ideologies are true and well laid out. Generally John Locke is one of the most influential thinker/philosopher that the World has ever seen.



Works Cited

Mansfield, Harvey Claflin. A Student's Guide to Political Philosophy. Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2000.

Moseley, Alexander. John Locke. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014.

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