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PLC1501 Assignment
2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester
1 2026 - DUE 10 April
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 10 April
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 10
April 2026; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Question 1 “Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of
politics and why the individual finds him/herself in a political environment”
(Study guide 2002:31-32). In light of the above, discuss rationalistic theory
as an explanation for the origin of politics. [10]
Rationalistic Theory as an Explanation for the Origin of Politics
Rationalistic theory is one of the classical explanations for the origin of politics. It is based on
the idea that human beings are rational and purposeful creatures who use reason to organise their
social and political life. According to this theory, politics did not arise by accident or divine
intervention, but as a result of conscious and deliberate human decision-making. People
recognised the need to create systems that would help them live together peacefully and solve
collective problems, and therefore established political institutions through rational agreement.
At the core of rationalistic theory is the assumption that individuals act in their own self-interest
but are also capable of reasoning about what is best for the group. In a state of nature, without
political organisation, human life would be uncertain, insecure, and potentially chaotic. To
overcome these challenges, individuals come together and agree—either explicitly or implicitly
—to form a political society. This agreement is often explained through the concept of a social
contract, where individuals consent to give up some of their natural freedoms in exchange for
protection, order, and stability provided by a governing authority.
Thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed
significantly to rationalistic thinking about the origin of politics. For example, Hobbes argued
that in the absence of political authority, life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
To escape this condition, individuals rationally agree to establish a strong central authority.
Locke, on the other hand, believed that individuals create political systems to protect natural
rights such as life, liberty, and property. Rousseau added that political authority should reflect
the “general will” of the people, meaning that laws and governance should be based on collective
rational agreement.
Rationalistic theory also suggests that political systems are designed to promote order, justice,
and the common good. Institutions such as governments, laws, and constitutions are products of
human reasoning and are meant to regulate behaviour, resolve conflicts, and ensure cooperation
among members of society. This highlights the idea that politics is not arbitrary but is grounded
in logical thinking and shared human needs.
PLC1501 Assignment
2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester
1 2026 - DUE 10 April
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 10 April
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - DUE 10
April 2026; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Question 1 “Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of
politics and why the individual finds him/herself in a political environment”
(Study guide 2002:31-32). In light of the above, discuss rationalistic theory
as an explanation for the origin of politics. [10]
Rationalistic Theory as an Explanation for the Origin of Politics
Rationalistic theory is one of the classical explanations for the origin of politics. It is based on
the idea that human beings are rational and purposeful creatures who use reason to organise their
social and political life. According to this theory, politics did not arise by accident or divine
intervention, but as a result of conscious and deliberate human decision-making. People
recognised the need to create systems that would help them live together peacefully and solve
collective problems, and therefore established political institutions through rational agreement.
At the core of rationalistic theory is the assumption that individuals act in their own self-interest
but are also capable of reasoning about what is best for the group. In a state of nature, without
political organisation, human life would be uncertain, insecure, and potentially chaotic. To
overcome these challenges, individuals come together and agree—either explicitly or implicitly
—to form a political society. This agreement is often explained through the concept of a social
contract, where individuals consent to give up some of their natural freedoms in exchange for
protection, order, and stability provided by a governing authority.
Thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed
significantly to rationalistic thinking about the origin of politics. For example, Hobbes argued
that in the absence of political authority, life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
To escape this condition, individuals rationally agree to establish a strong central authority.
Locke, on the other hand, believed that individuals create political systems to protect natural
rights such as life, liberty, and property. Rousseau added that political authority should reflect
the “general will” of the people, meaning that laws and governance should be based on collective
rational agreement.
Rationalistic theory also suggests that political systems are designed to promote order, justice,
and the common good. Institutions such as governments, laws, and constitutions are products of
human reasoning and are meant to regulate behaviour, resolve conflicts, and ensure cooperation
among members of society. This highlights the idea that politics is not arbitrary but is grounded
in logical thinking and shared human needs.
