Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Homo Economicus
22 Sep 2016
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Lecture 5 - justifying the state: the state, Required reading: wolff, introduction to political philosophy, chapter 1, pp. In locke"s state of nature, the executive power of the law of nature is possessed by: Cooperation is beneficial so it tends to evolve. Fear, suspicion, and competition will overwhelm cooperation. A few bad apples can ruin everything. The state is the only alternative to the state of nature. People are naturally free, equal, and independent. Claims a monopoly of legitimate physical force within a particular territory. Three ways to justify political obligations: associative duties. Special requirements attached to the unchosen role or status of citizen: transactions. Examples include receiving benefits from the state or making a promise to obey: natural duties. General moral requirements to promote happiness or justice. The relationship between state and citizen is like the relationship between parent and child (plato"s crito) Life and benefits generate gratitude and the duty to obey.
