POL 2107 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Ancient Greek Philosophy, Stoicism, Hubris
14 Sep 2016
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September 13, 2016 introduction to the origins of political. Made a very precise distinction between the private and the public. The agora: the market place; where people gathered, and discussed political matter. To participate in politics was the most important aspect for citizenship, their most important responsibility. Greeks: agonal culture, very competitive (warfare, public readings). Iconic character we identify with early greek philosophy (socrates) asking questions. Individual and collective virtue, believe in collective responsibility not just individual profit. Greece: insular, didn"t like outsiders (romans, welcomed others) The greeks were not an opulent society, subsistent agricultural life, rationalist (solving problems) no longer accept myth or religion as rule. Religion was a matter of the household, wasn"t there to guide your life, reason was. Matters of political and common concern (citizens had the right to speak, voice their opinions) democratic as opposed to despotic: despotic: prevailed in highly traditional societies, based on charisma, follows a natural order of things.
