1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy?

Summary

Professor Steven Smith introduces political philosophy as the foundational aspect of political science, emphasizing its role in examining fundamental questions about justice, rights, and the nature of regimes. He discusses the importance of studying great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle, whose enduring questions guide contemporary political thought. Smith also explores the practical implications of political philosophy, including the challenges of aligning philosophical ideals with real-world politics and the transformative potential of the 'best regime' concept.

Takeaways

• 📚 Political philosophy is considered the oldest and most fundamental part of political science, focusing on the underlying problems and concepts that frame political studies.
• 🌟 It is through the study of great thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli that we can understand the field of political philosophy, despite the risks of becoming overly reverent or antiquated.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the relevance of studying historical texts in the context of modern issues like globalization and terrorism, challenging the idea that political science makes progress.
• 📖 The importance of continuing to read classical works is emphasized because they provide enduring questions that continue to guide the field, rather than outdated answers.
• 🧐 The script suggests that political philosophy is not just theoretical but practical, with historical figures like Plato and Aristotle being actively engaged in the politics of their time.
• 🏛 The concept of 'regime' is central to political philosophy, referring to a form of government and the ethos of a society, shaping the character of its citizens.
• 💡 The study of regimes involves understanding not just formal institutions but also the moral, religious, and cultural practices that define a society.
• 🕵️‍♂️ It questions whether politics can be transformed from conflict to harmony and whether global norms could replace the particularities of regime politics.
• 🗣️ Political philosophy is inherently practical, offering advice and guidance to statesmen and potential statesmen on the qualities necessary for sound statecraft.
• 🌐 The script explores the tension between the ideal of the 'best regime' and the reality of existing regimes, and the role of the philosopher in relation to these.
• ❤️ The study of political philosophy is described as an act of love (eros) for the pursuit of knowledge about the best regime, potentially transforming one's loyalties and allegiances.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of political philosophy according to Professor Smith?

The primary purpose of political philosophy, as stated by Professor Smith, is to lay bare the fundamental problems, concepts, and categories that frame the study of politics, serving as the foundation of the entire discipline of political science.

Why does Professor Smith believe the study of political philosophy often begins with great books?

Professor Smith believes that political philosophy, being the oldest of the social sciences, has been shaped significantly by the works of great thinkers. Studying their works provides a way to understand the field's fundamental questions and the clarity and insight with which these questions were originally posed.

What are some potential dangers or issues of focusing solely on the study of great thinkers in political philosophy?

The potential dangers include the risk of arbitrariness in selecting which thinkers to study, the possibility of overlooking contemporary issues by focusing on antiquated texts, and the chance that students may become intimidated by famous names and fail to think for themselves.

Why does Professor Smith argue that political philosophy is not just a historical appendage but constitutive of the deepest problems in political science?

He argues that political philosophy is not merely a historical appendage because the doctrines and ideas from the past are still very much alive today, shaping our basic outlooks and attitudes, and continue to guide the field of political science.

What does Professor Smith suggest as a reason to continue studying works of Aristotle, Locke, and others despite the progress in political science?

Professor Smith suggests that these works provide us with the most basic questions that continue to guide our field, and that we continue to ask the same questions that were asked by these philosophers, even if we do not accept their answers.

According to the transcript, why is it important to study political philosophy even though it may not provide ready-made answers to today's problems?

Studying political philosophy is important because it provides a repository of fundamental or permanent questions that political scientists still rely on, rather than providing direct answers to contemporary problems.

What is the significance of the concept of 'regime' in the study of political philosophy as discussed by Professor Smith?

The concept of 'regime' is significant because it refers to a form of government and is constitutive of a people's way of life, including moral, religious practices, and customs. It is a fundamental political idea that has been central to political philosophy since the time of Plato.

Why does Professor Smith consider the study of regime politics to be a practical discipline?

Professor Smith considers the study of regime politics to be practical because it is advice-giving, rooted in the practical experience of the thinkers studied, and aims to provide guidance on how to navigate the political world.

What is the 'zone of indeterminacy' mentioned by Professor Smith, and why is it important for political philosophy?

The 'zone of indeterminacy' is the space between the 'is' and the 'ought,' or the actual and the ideal. It is important for political philosophy because it is where the discipline exists and thrives, allowing for the exploration of the best regime in contrast to actual regimes.

How does Professor Smith relate the quest for knowledge of the best regime to the concept of eros or love?

Professor Smith relates the quest for knowledge of the best regime to eros or love by suggesting that this quest must be accompanied, sustained, and elevated by love, making the study of political philosophy the highest tribute we pay to love.