Political Science 1020E Lecture 2: Lecture 2
22 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
According to the preferred definition of politics from the last lecture, politics. A: necessarily involves violence: requires strong leaders, is a way of dealing with conflict. Imagine life without the state and political power. In the state of nature, people live in a state of fear (perpetual fear, survival), war, peace (sought by human beings) Powerful state is needed to avoid disastrous interpersonal conflict. Power (capacity to have control over others, not only themselves) Seek to enhance reputation (others fear you) Fundamental law: seek peace, if you can get it. Second law: lay down your natural right, if others do too. It is rational for individuals to attack others. It is rational for the collective to seek peace. Some lack power to enforce law of nature. Pity or compassion for the suffering of others (cid:862) o(cid:272)ial ma(cid:374)(cid:863) a(cid:374)d natu(cid:396)al a(cid:448)age. Solitary, no language, fears only pain and hunger.
