Western Political Philosophy from Greece to the Renaissance

Ancient Greek Political Origins

Ancient history.

Western political philosophy has its origins in ancient Greek society, when city-states were experimenting with various forms of political organization (monarchy, tyranny, aristocracy, oligarchy).

Plato's Republic and Justice

Plato's Republic is his best known work. In it, Socrates and various Athenians discuss the meaning of justice.

Aristotle's Politics and Community

In Aristotle's Politics, Aristotle concludes that a man is by nature a political animal. According to Aristotle, the community or city is prior to the individual: they place the well-being of the community above the well-being of the individual.

In the Greek world, citizens identified strongly with the city they belonged to, and exile was considered worse than death. Much of Aristotle's discussion of justice remains relevant today. He introduced the idea of distributive justice, which suggests that honors and wealth should be distributed according to merit, so that the best people receive the highest rewards.

Medieval Political Philosophy and Theocracy

Medieval period.

Medieval political philosophy in Europe was heavily influenced by Christian thinking. A strong relationship between philosophy and religion gave rise to theocracy, the rule of God.

The political leaders were believed to have a direct personal connection with God. God is recognized as the head of the state.

Medieval Political Ideas

• The human race is normally ruled by kings or emperors; subjects must obey rulers, even the wicked.
• We should obey God rather than men.

City of God and Augustine's Views

City of God describes two symbolic cities: the city of God and the earthly city, which Augustine distinguished by two human loves, the love of God and the love of self, and by two destinies, heaven and hell.

People who love God will reach salvation; those who love themselves are condemned. The city of God is not identical with the church, since not all members of the church will be saved. Augustine does not suggest that only good Christians can be rulers, but he believes that Christian virtue makes better governments.

European Renaissance and Machiavelli

European Renaissance.

One of the most influential works of the Renaissance is Machiavelli's The Prince. He presents a realistic view of politics whereby good and evil are mere means used to bring about an end (the ends justify the means).

Machiavelli on Power and Morality

Machiavelli asserted that a ruler must be concerned not only with reputation but also positively willing to act immorally at the right times. He emphasizes the occasional need for the methodical exercise of brute force or deceit.

In contrast with Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli insisted that an imaginary ideal society is not a model by which a prince or a ruler should orient himself; political idealism is not useful in all situations.