Civic Republican and Contractarian Thought
...ecific contexts d) As speaking to us in a conversation across the ages Civic republicanism: Machiavelli, Rousseau: People are interdependent Freedom is achieved in a self-governing political community where active citizens are concerned for common good classical influence, but… Contractarianism: Hobbes, Locke: People are naturally free Politics limits freedom This is justified by need for security and agreement of those subject to government self-consciously modern, but… The ancient legacy Aristotle and Athens Rome and Cicero Aristotle: Aim of life – 'happiness/flourishing' Self-development -achieved through virtues =habitual dispositions-> success Needs political frame to cultivate and exercise widest range of virtues Best form of government = 'polity' – a mixture of other forms Freedom = ruling and being ruled or living as you like? Freedom compatible with being subject to law, which educates rather than restrains Education politically crucial Conditions: independent citizens, bound by mutual concern Limited economic inequality among citizens Small society where values are shared But: How important is political participation? (vs philosophical life) For whom? Does virtue lead to success? Stoics: Politics to be avoided Follow virtue for its own sake Common nature shared by all humans Cicero Defends the value of political life Humans naturally gregarious – polity the most significant community (plus natural law and universal hu...