POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES

Thomas Hobbes

John Locke
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES

Classical
Republicanism

Natural Rights Philosophy
STATE OF NATURE
Classical
Republicanism
• People are equally free
• Only concerned with
self preservation
• Unequal distribution of
wealth turns focus to
individual interests


Natural Rights
• People are equally free
• People possess Natural
Rights to life, liberty,
and property
• Unequal distribution of
wealth turns focus to
individual interests
SOCIAL CONTRACT
Classical
Republicanism
• People surrender ALL
RIGHTS to the general
will

• The government will
redistribute those rights
important to citizenship
as it see fit

Natural Rights
• People surrender
POWER to the
government
(executive, legislative,
and judicial power)
• Government exists to
protect natural rights
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Classical
Republicanism
• Individuals should put
the needs of the
community before selfinterest.

• Civic Virtue is an
essential element

Natural Rights
• Individuals are
motivated primarily by
self-interest.
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Classical
Republicanism
• Purpose of government
is to promote the
common good.


Natural Rights
• Purpose of government
is to protect individual
rights.
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Classical
Republicanism
• Theory emphasizes the
responsibilities/obligati
ons of democratic
citizenship.

• Focus on your DUTY as
a citizen
• Focus on your POWER
as an individual

Natural Rights
• Theory emphasizes the
rights/powers of
democratic citizenship.
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Classical
Republicanism
• “Citizens” are primarily
political entities.

• The government
defines who is a
citizen, and what the
benefits are of
citizenship

Natural Rights
• “Citizens” are primarily legal
entities.
• The government protects
citizens – primarily from
itself
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES
Classical
Republicanism
• To be a good citizen is
most important to
people


Natural Rights
• People should do what
is best for themselves
CITIZEN VIRTUES
Classical
Republicanism
• Patriotism is the most
important virtue


Natural Rights
• Virtues important to
commerce – Hard
Work, Frugality
• Moral education
• Equality of Condition
• Respect of the law,
contractual
relationships
HOMEWORK - ESSAY P. 21-34 THURSDAY
 Define
the concept of delegation and
explain the problems it solves when
attempting collective action. What
problems does delegation create?