Poli 202 midterm - Hancock
Why, according to Elder Oaks (citing Elder Packer), should we not necessarily consider
tolerance a virtue? - ANS-You can't have tolerance without truth. (It is a two-sided coin.)
1) How does Philippe Beneton distinguish between two versions of equality? -
ANS-Substantial equality: Grounded in what is human. The other is my equal because
we share something that distinguishes us as human beings. Men are equal because
such is the truth of human nature.
Equality by default: Refusal to consider any act to be specifically human. The other is
my equal because he cannot be more "human," that is to say better than me. Men are
equal because human nature is fiction.
What is substantial inequality? - ANS-Substantial equality: Grounded in what is human.
The other is my equal because we share something that distinguishes us as human
beings. Men are equal because such is the truth of human nature
What is equality by default? - ANS-Refusal to consider any act to be specifically
human.The other is my equal because he cannot be more "human," that is to say better
than me. Men are equal because human nature is fiction.
In what way is Beneton's critique of modern equality relevant to our study of the history
of modern political philosophy? - ANS-It is turning away from the questions of the good
and it leads into modern rationalism which gives way to equality by default.
According to Beneton, what are the three stages of the rights of man? - ANS-Official
birth of the rights of man (moderate liberal)
Subversion of the rights of man
Radicalization and the loss of substance of the rights of man (Extreme liberal)
During which of Beneton's stages of the rights of man does the time bomb go off? -
ANS-During the final stage, "Radicalization."
According to Prof. Hancock, what is the basic distinction between "classical reason" and
"modern rationalism"? - ANS-Taking out the question of the good. Morality no longer
has a place in society.
, What is the "glue" that held together Thomas Aquinas's orderly theological model of the
cosmos and of man's place in it? - ANS-The principle of analogy.
What intolerable malaise impelled Martin Luther to seek a new understanding of
Christianity? - ANS-The unbearable burden of sin
What doctrine was the key to Luther's theological revolution? - ANS-The total depravity
of mankind; led to his doctrine of justification by faith.
By what bold theological move does Luther secure Christian duty in the political realm
even though he has radically separated the political from the spiritual realm? -
ANS-Christians have a duty to non-Christian neighbors; it is our duty to promote peace
and prosperity in society.
What is the great and obvious exception to Machiavelli's statement that only "armed
prophets" succeed (Prince ch. 6)? - ANS-It's Jesus. Jesus is the answer.
What is revealed about Machiavelli's writing style in chapter 8 with reference to his
discussion of Agathocles? - ANS-He is being very shifty with the definitions of words he
is using, specifically as it has to do with virtue.
How would the
How would the classical political philosophers respond to Machiavelli's announcement
that morality (or "imaginary republics") do not "work"? - ANS-"We didn't become a better
people so that we could conquer a place; we did it to become better people."
What inherent tension in popular moralism does Machiavelli exploit? - ANS-People want
morality to be useful, but most of the time it isn't.
How are these two components of the "effectual truth" suggested by the twofold way in
which Machiavelli describes the impact on the people of Cesare Borgia's intelligent
cruelty in Prince ch 7 - ANS-Satisfaction and stupefaction. When M was giving this
example, he was talking about what a smart move it was bc the people were satisfied
bc the henchmen that nobody likes was killed, so he wont the approval of the people but
he wasn't so nice that people could take advantage of them.
Explain stupefaction. - ANS-You can't move forward and make judgements on
someone. Even though someone might be satisfied by the way the prince is ruling, the
subjects don't really know if they can trust him.
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