SOCI 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Ernest Gellner, Economic System, Cogito Ergo Sum
Document Summary
Definition of nationalism: theory of political legitimacy, which requires that ethnic boundaries should not cut across poltical ones, and, in particular, that ethnic boundaries within a given state should not separate the powerholders from the rest . New theory in nationalism about state legitimacy: culture: Ruled by someone that"s own, not a foreigner: organization of the state. Brief history of humanity: humankind has passed through three fundamental stages in its history: No need to have states, no surpluses to manage. State begins to emerge to manage surpluses and mass wealth. Once none had the state, then some had it, and finally all have it . Reference to max weber: state" is that institution or set of institutions specifically concerned with the enforcement of order, state = political system to enforce order. Ultimate symbol of state authority(according to weber: executioner: state reserves power to life and death.
