Humanity, Society, and Political Philosophy
How We Become Human
We become human through interaction—word and look. A look confirms our existence, bestowed upon us by others. We cannot exist without the other.
Sartre’s “Hell is Other People”
Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous quote, “Hell is other people,” suggests that others are the source of misery and loneliness. Being alone, in this view, would be paradise.
Sabater’s Disagreement
Sabater disagrees with Sartre.
Why Sabater Disagrees with Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher believed societies are products of individual freedom and autonomy. Sabater argues the opposite: societies create autonomous and free individuals. Autonomy arises from societal upbringing and education. We wouldn’t exist as individuals without society.
Self
Free to decide.
Range
One creates the rules intended to govern their own behavior.
We often complain that society limits our autonomy and freedom, though it doesn’t eliminate them entirely. Sabater suggests understanding and good communication as solutions, urging a better grasp of the political and social implications of personal autonomy.
William James’s Perspective
William James emphasizes the importance of recognition from others. Our existence is confirmed when others accept us as individuals. We are inherently prepared for interaction with others.
Sabater’s Interpretation of James
Sabater interprets James to mean that our existence is validated by the recognition we receive from others. There is no greater punishment, according to Sabater, than social marginalization. We are human only through mutual recognition.
Utopia
Utopia represents something beautiful and desirable, yet often absurd or unworkable. It’s an attempt to rationally design a perfect society free from injustice. Its characteristics include:
- Closed political system with no escape
- Rational authoritarianism (no other political parties, limited political freedoms)
- Regulation of daily life
- Prevalence of the common good (no private property)
- Economic equality
- Abolition of competition
- Tolerance
Positive Features of Utopia
- Rejection of greed
- Rejection of economically driven work
- A comprehensive proposal for existing societies
Negative Features of Utopia
- Authoritarianism
- Lack of freedom
- Overreliance on rational thought
- Suppression of spontaneity and innovation
- Elimination of private property
Dystopia
Dystopia is the opposite of utopia—an undesirable model, a world to be avoided.
The New Man
Sabater’s View
Sabater believes humans always have a symbolic experience, shaped by culture. Creating a “new man” is impossible because we are always immersed in culture. Attempts to create a new man destroy the human being.
Two Approaches to Governance
First Approach: The Social Contract
This approach emphasizes a contract between members of society. Power originates from this social contract, which establishes laws for the common good. Individual interests are subordinate to the community’s needs. The state actively intervenes to organize society. This is an interventionist approach, often associated with the political left.
Second Approach: The Invisible Hand
This approach distrusts the state’s ability to plan public affairs. It favors minimal state intervention and maximum individual freedom. The public good is believed to arise from the pursuit of private interests (e.g., a baker’s self-interest in selling bread benefits the public by providing food). This approach, often associated with the political right, prioritizes individual action over state planning.
Rationality vs. Reasonableness
Something is rational when it follows logical patterns. Conflicting arguments are irrational.
Being reasonable means considering the arguments of others, especially if they are more persuasive than our own.
Angry Sheep
The “angry sheep” metaphor describes individuals who conform to social norms out of fear of marginalization. Their sociability drives them to maintain their identity within the group, even if it means rejecting others.
Community of Meaning
A community of meaning exists when shared customs and laws provide individuals with a sense of purpose and direction in life.
The Aim of Political Philosophy
Eliminating Politics
One view suggests that political philosophy aims to eliminate politics, as politics is seen as a form of conflict, a “peaceful war.” The success of political philosophy, in this view, would be the eradication of conflict and thus the end of politics.
The Persistence of Politics
Another view sees politics as a means of persuasion, an essential aspect of human interaction that cannot be eliminated.
Democracy and Philosophy
Both democracy and philosophy require freedom of thought, as they involve diverse perspectives and disagreements.
Origin and Meaning of Human Rights
Human rights are rooted in the concept of human dignity and have become increasingly important in the last two centuries. Fundamental human rights include:
- The inviolability of each person; individuals cannot be sacrificed or used for the purposes of others.
- The recognition of individual autonomy to choose one’s life, with equal rights to autonomy for all.
- Treating each person according to their conduct, merits, or demerits, not based on characteristics like sex, religion, or race.
- A society upholding human rights is one where no one is abandoned.