Plato’s Theory of Forms and Metaphysical Dualism
Key Concepts in Plato’s Philosophy
Man
What essentially defines man is his tripartite structure: the rational soul (immortal), which is the faculty of rational knowledge; the irascible soul, which is character or psychic force; and the concupiscent soul, which is desire and the ability to undergo passions. The rational part is intelligible, superior, and independent of the body.
Analogy
This is a reasoning based on the existence of similar attributes in different beings. For example, the sun is analogous
Read MoreDefining Key Philosophical Movements: From Scholasticism to Existentialism
Nihilism: Meaning and Historical Context
The term Nihilism comes from the Latin, meaning ‘from nothing’ or ‘nothingness’. It is a philosophical current that is generally used to disqualify any doctrine that denies or does not recognize important realities or values.
The nihilism of despair emerged in Russia during the 19th century following the failure of the reforms of Alexander II. These nihilists sought to establish a society based on scientific grounds (inspired by Comte) and were sometimes confused
Read MoreThe Foundations of Empiricism and the Limits of Human Knowledge
Empiricism: A Philosophical Tradition Opposed to Rationalism
Empiricism is a philosophical tradition opposed to rationalism, which often emphasizes the certainty of mathematics.
Modern science emphasized observation, action, and experimentation. The need to rely on observation and experimentation, especially when moving beyond pre-scientific explanations, finds its justification in the main thesis of empiricism:
- All our knowledge about facts is based on perception or sense experience.
The ultimate source
Read MorePolitical Power, Legitimacy, and Democratic Systems
The Concept of Political Power
Power is defined as the ability to be obeyed by those involved in social relationships.
Max Weber, an important sociologist, believed that in a social relationship, power is what allows an individual to fulfill their own will. According to Weber, power is having capacity.
Sources of Political Legitimacy
Political legitimacy, or the justification for power, can stem from various sources:
- Force
- Persuasion
- Tradition
- Charisma
- Money
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Rationality
Weber’s Three Types of
Read MoreDavid Hume’s Empiricism: Context and Critique of Causality
David Hume: Biography and Historical Setting
Hume was born in Edinburgh in 1711 and died in 1776.
Historical Context
England after the Revolution of 1688
- The Revolution established bourgeois parliamentary democracy and the supremacy of Parliament.
- Intervention of the people in the laws, rights, and political liberties.
- Economic and religious freedom: Abolition of monopolies.
- England becomes the first economic, industrial, and capitalist power.
Pre-Revolutionary France
- “Enlightened Despotism”: “All
Core Concepts in International Relations Theory and Global Politics
Fundamental Concepts in Political Theory
Polarity
The state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects.
Absolute Gains
A measure of the total effect of an action, comprising power, security, economic, and cultural effects.
Relative Gains
The actions of states considered only in respect to power balances, without regard to other factors.
Third Party Regimes
A person or group besides the two primarily involved in a situation, or a political party organized as an alternative to
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