Political Science 2237E Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Tabula Rasa, Eudaimonia, Human Nature
8 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
When thinking about the good life, you must consider human nature. Hobbes: we are born the same, you are born what you are and not changed by society. Plato: there are huge differences between people, you are born a blank slate and society changes you. First chapter of republic is wrong answers about justice. Human soul is divided into reasoning, courageous/spirited, appetitive/productive -> everyone is dominated by different parts. People are divided into philosophers, warriors, farmers/producers (how polity should be organized) Vision of human nature has to fit into what they think good life is. State may organize themselves to provide into good life, we live in welfare state (hospitals, education) Human nature, good life, and political institutions must match up. Greeks did not have commerce like we do. Agathos: crucial for prosperity/security of society -> to some writers they live the ideal life. Good life may be a consequence of producing justice. People may think good life produces justice.
