Political Science 1020E Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Paternalism, Seat Belt, Cosmopolitanism
21 Apr 2019
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Wolff: politics is finding the proper extent and distribution of political power" Elements of politics: collective social action, conflict and cooperation, binding authoritative decisions, enforced rules against the disobedient. The activity of government or ruling / exercising authority over others. The ability to produce results and influence others behaviour. The stick (force + coercion): police, military, violence (people who are legitimately allowed to use violence by the state) The carrot (economic inducement): trade off, bribes and sanctions. No recognized authority with a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. This is the worst case scenario, we need a state because of human nature. Pursuit of happiness (felicity) and power, self-regarding, status conscious, death-averse, and equally vulnerable. Equality, scarcity, and uncertainty would lead to war. Attack for gain, for safety, or for glory. Law down your natural right (right to do what you want) if others do so as well.
