Politics summary
Chapter 1
There still is the idea that the Elite rules the democratic society. Even if it is a plurality
of groups competing to influence the government. Elite pluralism (elite groups) is a
more accurate form there still is the idea of Elitism: an elite on top of the pyramid
and then the masses beneath him.
The elite's were afraid of Marx's vision: A future egalitarian society.
Elites are able to claim their position because of their recourses, their psychological
characteristics or their position within society.
Marxism and the state
An influential political ideology
Modern capitalist societies are dominated by a united self- interest ruling
group (shared idea with Elitism).
Two important differences between Marxism and Elitism
1. Marxists are very specific about the character of the ruling group in capitalist
societies. For Marks the ruling group in pre- communist societies is always the
social group or class that controls the means of production and therefore has
economic power.
2. A communist revolution will bring about a truly egalitarian society. One in
which a hierarchical society is abolished. According to elitists this was an
Utopian dream.
The new right theory of the state
Theory by a number of commentators: "The state has a tendency to expand its
activities far beyond what is healthy for a society".
Political obligation of the state:
Pluralism and elitism: A normative critique
1. The pluralist theory of the state devalues the idea of the general or public
interest.
2. The revised elite version of pluralism is also citized on the grounds that is
dismissing the importance of political participation.
The liberal social contract tradition:
- Provides determination of what the role of the state is ought to do.
- Based around the idea of an imaginary state of nature, where individuals
exist without government.
, The Night watchman state
Liberal tradition: The states should have a free market economy and limited
interference -> Maximize freedom.
The new right challenged the state interventionism that become standard in post
1945 liberal democracies.
Welfare state, the mixed economy, the use of demand management.
Here the state would seek to increase demand in the economy through public
spending on various schemes.
Utilitarianism
- " The key to judging the effectiveness of a government is the degree to which it
promotes the greatest happiness. Because happiness is associated with pleasure"-
Jeremy Bentham.
Liberalism and comunitarianism
The state should remain neutral as between different conceptions of the good.
It is to serve individuals and one of the ways in which it should do this is by
respecting their autonomy and not trespassing on their rights to do as they
please as long as they can do without harm to others.
The liberal theory of the neutral state has been challenged by a body of thought
known as communitarianism:
Re- established the state as an institution with a role to play in uniting society
around a set of values.
The state and the general will
The state should be judged by the degree to which it upholds the general will.
The anarchist theory of the state
Anarchist question the very need for a state.'
Limited impact on modern politics
Ideas based on:
- The states corrupting influence which undermines a human being is
tendency to be morally upstanding.
Raises more questions than it answers.
Is the state "hollowing out?"
The state no longer plays the significant role that it used to.
Globalization: The world has become so economically and politically independent
that there is little room for maneuver for nation states.
Chapter 1
There still is the idea that the Elite rules the democratic society. Even if it is a plurality
of groups competing to influence the government. Elite pluralism (elite groups) is a
more accurate form there still is the idea of Elitism: an elite on top of the pyramid
and then the masses beneath him.
The elite's were afraid of Marx's vision: A future egalitarian society.
Elites are able to claim their position because of their recourses, their psychological
characteristics or their position within society.
Marxism and the state
An influential political ideology
Modern capitalist societies are dominated by a united self- interest ruling
group (shared idea with Elitism).
Two important differences between Marxism and Elitism
1. Marxists are very specific about the character of the ruling group in capitalist
societies. For Marks the ruling group in pre- communist societies is always the
social group or class that controls the means of production and therefore has
economic power.
2. A communist revolution will bring about a truly egalitarian society. One in
which a hierarchical society is abolished. According to elitists this was an
Utopian dream.
The new right theory of the state
Theory by a number of commentators: "The state has a tendency to expand its
activities far beyond what is healthy for a society".
Political obligation of the state:
Pluralism and elitism: A normative critique
1. The pluralist theory of the state devalues the idea of the general or public
interest.
2. The revised elite version of pluralism is also citized on the grounds that is
dismissing the importance of political participation.
The liberal social contract tradition:
- Provides determination of what the role of the state is ought to do.
- Based around the idea of an imaginary state of nature, where individuals
exist without government.
, The Night watchman state
Liberal tradition: The states should have a free market economy and limited
interference -> Maximize freedom.
The new right challenged the state interventionism that become standard in post
1945 liberal democracies.
Welfare state, the mixed economy, the use of demand management.
Here the state would seek to increase demand in the economy through public
spending on various schemes.
Utilitarianism
- " The key to judging the effectiveness of a government is the degree to which it
promotes the greatest happiness. Because happiness is associated with pleasure"-
Jeremy Bentham.
Liberalism and comunitarianism
The state should remain neutral as between different conceptions of the good.
It is to serve individuals and one of the ways in which it should do this is by
respecting their autonomy and not trespassing on their rights to do as they
please as long as they can do without harm to others.
The liberal theory of the neutral state has been challenged by a body of thought
known as communitarianism:
Re- established the state as an institution with a role to play in uniting society
around a set of values.
The state and the general will
The state should be judged by the degree to which it upholds the general will.
The anarchist theory of the state
Anarchist question the very need for a state.'
Limited impact on modern politics
Ideas based on:
- The states corrupting influence which undermines a human being is
tendency to be morally upstanding.
Raises more questions than it answers.
Is the state "hollowing out?"
The state no longer plays the significant role that it used to.
Globalization: The world has become so economically and politically independent
that there is little room for maneuver for nation states.
