Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Gender Pay Gap, Human Nature, Hard Power
8 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
The element of politics: social, process, conflict, binding decisions, enforced. Takes place even with non-human animals like chimps. In the rulers interests, in the interests of the government. Power can take several forms: influence, hard power (police, military), soft. The right to punish those who disobey. Thomas hobbes talks about the state of nature, the natural condition of mankind: Imagine life without the state and political power. Powerful state is needed to avoid disastrous interpersonal conflict. Three reason to attack: competition (gain), lack of trust (safety), glory (reputation). Fundamental law: seek peace, if you can get it. Second law: lay down natural right, if others do too. Some lack power ti enforce law of nature. Law of nature: sais everyone should be preserved. Pity of compassion for the suffering of others. How change happens in the state of nature: Free will and the capacity for self improvement. Why society cannot be just or unjust: actions, intentions, and agency.
