POL 2104 Lecture 1: Introduction
25 Feb 2015
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Document Summary
Comparative politics differs from ir in that it examines relations within a state. Plato and aristotle wanted to look at the best forms of social governance, which was increasingly dominated by the state. A theory is synonymous with world view due to their size and what they encompass helps decide what will be examined an epistemological perspective. Conservatism was one of the earlier theories (machiavelli) Life is poor, nasty, british and short. Social contract allows 2 conservative exchanges that empowers the state in return for some positives. Liberalism further builds on social contract theory and questions of legitimacy. Locke, one of the earliest proponents of liberalism, disagreed with the divine right. Individual has the right to protect life, liberty and property. Rousseau added to liberalism with the discussion of rights. Marx eliminated idea of a state of nature, instead its material reality. Under marxism, governance by the state can be rejected.
