POL111H5 Chapter Notes -Liberal Democracy, Aristocracy, Castaway
Document Summary
Chapter 1 & 3 - basic political concepts. Ch 1 - political concepts: concept- an idea, term or category ex/ democracy, the state, power, conceptions are built on concepts (issues surrounding the term, it"s a broader understanding or interpretation of a concept. Ex/ democracy as self-government or as majority rule. Is the activity or process by which groups reach and enforce binding decisions. This affects the collective as a whole: three aspects of politics, collective activity (within or btw groups) Ex/ a castaway on a deserted island couldn"t engage in politics: decision- making (matters affecting groups) To resolve disagreements about what is to be done: decisions are authoritative (binding and enforcing) Committing it"s members = impinging on all members. It"s a fundamental activity b/c a group that failed to reach at least some decisions would soon cease to exist. Other concepts related to politics: power. Latin word potere" = to be able. Definition: the capacity to bring about intended effects.
