1. Political Theory

2. Niccolo Machiavelli ~ The Prince

3. Niccolo Machiavelli
Moved away from Divine Right belief of Medieval monarchs and philosophers
Christian morality should play no part in decision of monarch: ONLY the preservation of the State at ANY cost
Ruler was free to USE religion to manipulate subjects
Believes nature of man is selfish, cowardly, and dishonest
Better to be feared than loved
The ends justify the means
Called for Monarchy / Dictatorship

4. Thomas Hobbes

6. Thomas Hobbes ~ Leviathan
Influenced by absolute of mathematics
Used deductive reasoning to infer what he believed to be truths about human nature and government
Influenced by beheading of Charles I
Reasoned that nature of man was evil and ignorant
Called for Absolute Monarch but did not agree with Divine Right and even said the state’s law overruled religious belief
Passion, not reason, governs human behavior
All men are equal
State of Nature (anarchy), man against man, is natural
Government was derived from State of Nature and without absolutism, would return to it

7. John Locke

8. John Locke ~ Second Treatise on Government
Theorist of the Enlightenment
Greatly Influenced Thomas Jefferson & development of U.S. gov’t.
Decisions should be based on knowledge and individual liberty
Influenced by Glorious Revolution
Nature of man is good
Men are born with natural (God-given) rights of life, liberty, and property
Purpose of government is solely to protect these rights
If gov’t. fails to protect these rights, people have a duty to over throw it
“Constant impeachment” of disliked gov’t. will not happen because people are reasonable
Endorses constitutional government with a democratic republic
Lays out Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches

9. Jean Jacques Rousseau

10. Jean Jacques Rousseau ~ Social Contract
“Man is born free; yet everywhere he is in chains.”
Argues that rich and powerful control government and oppress the majority
Reform is required: Direct Democracy, similar to the Greek Polis
State of Nature necessitates need for government, but not power of one or a group over others
The General Will- what is best for the community
If individual values their private interest over those of the General Will, they will be punished
Natural Liberty vs. Civil Liberty
Some consider Rousseau a precursor for modern day dictatorship.

11. Compare the Theorists Proposed Gov’t Stance on Religion and State
Nature of Man
Machiavelli
Monarch/ Dictator
Separation
Selfish
Hobbes
Absolute Dictator
Evil
Locke
Democratic Republic
Good, Responsible,
Capable
Rousseau
Direct Democracy/ Socialism
Born good but corrupted by society