POLS 3040 WEEK 2 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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York University *
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Course
3040
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by CoachPanther1955
First Wave of Modernity (Machiavelli and Hobbes - Control over Nature):
1.
Question:
How did Machiavelli and Hobbes challenge traditional political philosophy,
and what were the key differences in their approaches to understanding politics?
Answer:
Machiavelli and Hobbes both challenged traditional political philosophy by emphasizing
realism, practicality, and control over nature. Machiavelli introduced the concept of
"fortuna" as something controllable through force, while Hobbes argued that political
society is a human creation, not a natural order. They both rejected the classical view that
nature provided a moral standard. Machiavelli focused on the conquerability of corrupt
human behavior, while Hobbes emphasized self-preservation and the need for institutions
to control human conduct.
Second Wave of Modernity (Rousseau - Control over Man):
2.
Question:
How did
Rousseau's concept of the "general will" attempt to bridge the gap between the "is" (the existing
state) and the "ought" (the ideal state), and what implications did this have for modern political
thought?
Answer:
Rousseau's "general will" sought to align practical politics with moral ideals
by representing the collective will of a society. It aimed to make the way things are (the "is")
match how things should be (the "ought"). This concept allowed for the pursuit of a just society
through the collective will, emphasizing the common good over individual interests. It had
profound implications for modern political thought by introducing a new way of reconciling
practical politics with moral ideals, focusing on virtue and the well-being of the entire
community.
Third Wave of Modernity (Nietzsche - Perpetual Struggle: Control of Nature and Man):
3.
Question:
How does Nietzsche's perspective on human existence, emphasizing perpetual
struggle and the "Over-man," challenge the earlier waves of modernity's optimism about progress
and rationality?
Answer:
Nietzsche's perspective challenges the optimism of earlier waves by
portraying human existence as inherently tragic, characterized by terror and anguish. He rejects
the idea of intrinsic historical progress and introduces the concept of the "Over-man," who
transcends traditional notions of good and evil. Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of human
choice in shaping the future, contrary to the deterministic views of progress held by earlier
modern thinkers. His ideas question the belief in rationality and the possibility of utopian
solutions to human problems.
General Question on the Interaction of the Three Waves:
4.
Question:
How does the conflict
between these three waves of modernity, as described by Strauss, reflect the broader tension in
modern political thought, and what role does premodern thought, particularly Plato, play in this
conflict?
Answer:
The conflict between the three waves of modernity reflects the ongoing
tension in modern political thought between different approaches to understanding and
controlling human nature, society, and the course of history. Each wave offers distinct
perspectives on these issues, with the first wave focusing on controlling nature, the second wave
on controlling man, and the third wave challenging the very notions of control and progress.
Premodern thought, particularly the influence of Plato, serves as a shadow over this conflict.
Plato's ideas about the ideal state, the role of virtue, and the pursuit of justice have a lasting
impact on political philosophy. The conflict between the waves can be seen as a struggle to
reconcile or respond to these premodern ideas in the context of a rapidly changing modern world.
Plato's legacy continues to shape modern debates about the nature of the good society and the
role of political philosophy in achieving it.
Based on the reading "Three Waves of Modernity" by Leo Strauss, here are some potential
discussion questions for your reading group:
1.
The Crisis of Modernity:
How does Leo Strauss define the crisis of modernity,
particularly in relation to the loss of a clear sense of what is morally right or wrong? Do
you agree with his assessment? How does this crisis manifest in contemporary society?
2.
Separation of Facts from Values:
What are the implications of the separation of facts
from values in modernity? How does it impact our ability to make value judgments? Can
science and reason alone provide a basis for morality?
3.
Secularization of Biblical Faith:
Explore the idea of modernity as the secularization of
biblical faith. What elements of biblical faith does modernity preserve even after losing
faith itself? Can you provide examples of how this secularization is evident in modern
society?
4.
The First Wave of Modernity:
Discuss the key characteristics of the first wave of
modernity as exemplified by Machiavelli and Hobbes. How did they challenge traditional
political philosophy, and what were their contributions to modern political thought?
5.
Control Over Nature vs. Control Over Man:
Consider the shift in focus from control
over nature in the first wave to control over man in the second wave, as discussed by
Strauss. What motivated this shift, and how did it shape political philosophy in each
wave?
6.
Rousseau's General Will:
Explore Rousseau's concept of the general will. How does it
bridge the gap between "is" and "ought," as mentioned in the reading? Is the general will
an effective solution for aligning practical politics with moral ideals?
7.
Nietzsche's Third Wave:
Discuss Nietzsche's perspective on modernity as the third
wave. How does his view of human existence differ from earlier waves, and what are the
implications of his ideas for politics and society?
8.
The Over-man and the Last-man:
Delve into Nietzsche's concept of the Over-man and
the Last-man. How do these concepts challenge traditional notions of hierarchy and
human nature? Do you see any parallels with contemporary ideologies or movements?
9.
Fascism and Modernity:
How does fascism fit into the three waves of modernity
described by Strauss? In what ways does fascism differ from liberalism and socialism,
and how does it relate to the idea of constant struggle and control discussed in the
reading?
10.
Relevance to Contemporary Issues:
Consider how the ideas presented in the reading
relate to current political and social issues. Are there aspects of modernity that are
particularly relevant or problematic in today's world?
These questions should provide a starting point for engaging discussions about the reading and
its implications for modern political thought and society. You can choose to focus on specific
aspects of the reading or explore broader themes that resonate with your group's interests and
perspectives.
Communist Manifesto
One particularly interesting aspect of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich
Engels is their analysis of historical class struggles and the evolution of society. Marx and Engels
argue that throughout history, societies have been shaped by the conflict between different social
classes, such as the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
What I find fascinating is how they describe this ongoing struggle as a driving force behind
societal change. They contend that as capitalism developed, it created immense wealth and
technological advancements, but it also led to the exploitation and alienation of the working
class. This exploitation, they argue, would eventually reach a point where the working class
would unite, overthrow the capitalist system, and establish a classless society.
The idea that history is not just a linear progression but is instead characterized by these
recurring conflicts and revolutions is thought-provoking. It prompts readers to consider the
cyclical nature of societal development and raises questions about the inevitability and
desirability of a proletarian revolution.
Additionally, Marx and Engels' critique of capitalism as a system that inherently generates
inequality and class struggle invites readers to reflect on the socio-economic structures of their
own time and to consider possible alternatives to address these issues. It's an engaging
perspective that has sparked numerous debates and discussions on the merits and flaws of
communism as a solution to the problems they identify in capitalism.
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