History of Political Theory
Introduction
George Klosko, in his book, “History of Political Theory,” appreciates Social Contract Theory ability to explain how people live in a society in accordance with an agreement which establishes political and moral rules of behaviour. John Locke’s social theory, for instance, argue that people form governments to protect their rights (Klosko 114). However, for that to work, people are advised to follow the laws of the government made that soothes life, liberty and property. Therefore, the relationship between the state and individual is facilitated by Social Contract Theory which specifically emphasizes law enforcement, according to George Klosko. He states Law enforcement since time-immemorial exert power to the human fraternity. However, it is essential to balance the concept of personal liberty and rights of the government in addition to other legal and moral authority (Klosko 510). The goal of this essay is to discuss how Montesquieu, Edmund Burke and David Hume social contract theorists explain the relationship between the individual and the state in our current situation and, George Kiosk’s interpretation to them.
Baron de Montesquieu
Montesquieu argues that legislative, executive and judicial functions of the government sometimes referred to as a tri-partite system should be assigned to distinct bodies. According to him, the different branch of government can infringe political liberty restrained by other organisations as they check and sure there is a balance between the federal laws and personal human life (Klosko 218). A French philosopher during the Enlightenment Period’s argument has been implemented and resulted in various bodies implementing his constitutions in different parts of the world. He strived to keep powers from falling to any individual by emphasizing on power division.
His political theory works correctly on the idea of separation of powers, has shaped the modern democratic government. The Spirit of the Laws as incorporated by Baron has served as a treaty to many nations which also includes social life, law, and anthropology. Separation of power as pleaded by Montesquieu has led to the end of slavery in addition to preservation of human bondage (Klosko 230). Additionally, his argument generated essential outcomes, such as political institutions having to reflect on the social and geographical aspect of every community. Personal relationship and the current situation; division of power is linked to Montesquieu argument mainly.
Based on his argument, there are three political systems, namely republican, despotic and monarchial, and that they vary depending on how broadly the citizens’ rights are extended. The Spirit of Laws, as incorporated by Montesquieu, should be used best in preserving political liberty. Different nations have turned out practising Montesquieu political reasoning (Klosko 221). Countries have initiated government power separation as well as appropriate frameworks on civil and criminal laws for personal liberty.
Edmund Burke and Conservative Political Theory
According to Edmund Burke, Traditional Conservatism began with the thought of Anglo-Irish Whig Statesman. Edmund Burke argues that customary rights are God-given. Therefore, political principles are rooted in the Western Tradition and natural moral law and should be preserved accordingly (Klosko 323). The central tenets defining the relationship between individual and political states are organic society, authority, hierarchy, tradition and property rights. For him, social freedom is connected to well-structured institutions. That distinct notion of liberty is linked to selfishness, solitary, individualism, and that they are based on natural rights which should be preserved.
Burke argues that “social in nature” institutions and legal constraints are put in place to prevent individuals from regulating their freedom and that in respect with democracy which at times considered desirable, could turn out as inept and oppressive. That was one of the main reasons he opposed democracy in his reflections of the Revolution in France (Klosko 369). According to him, the French Revolution would end disastrously and as a result of its intellectual foundations and purported rationality, would ignore the complexities of human nature and society. It will adversely affect the prescriptive rights human should possess.
In as much as philosophers attacked him that his argument was against Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789), to him, France Revolution deters with natural rights. Generally, Burke criticizes social contract theory by arguing that the society is indeed a contract even though, it is a partnership to those who are living, unborn and dead (Klosko 357). Indeed, Edmund Burke Conservative Political theory argue that revolution destroys the fabric of good society and traditional institutions of community and state. He even goes ahead by condemning the persecution of the Catholic Church that resulted from it.
Edmund Brake Conservative Political Theory is seen in nations practising coalition government where despite the new revolutions practised, the old rules are somehow preserved. In continents such as Africa, only one party forms the government. In some cases, as preserved traditions are reinforced, the countries’ constitutions are striving to meet radical revolution expectations (Klosko 324). Conversation and continuation of traditional history are defended regardless of its oldness. Contemporary politics in nations such as Uganda, Ghana and Kenya are fixed to old politics in as much as ancient traditions are involved.
David Hume
A Scottish philosopher, David Hume, profoundly influenced the systems of philosophical empiricism, naturalism and scepticism. He argues that causes and effects are discoverable not in the reasons but through experience. David Hume, in his explanation, introduces the government which keeps on struggling between liberty and authority (Klosko 168). The implemented systems, for example, are struggling to put a balance despite the involvement of general laws. His cautious approach can highly be considered as conservative.
To save the process, he argues that the government should implement civilized monarchy that takes care of human life, liberty and property rights. He based his argument on the ideal republic, which to him is considered as a refined form of government. He supports his finding with the nature of human beings who believe that except the monarch, people can be governed with the rule of law adhered in the political systems (Klosko 189). Nations such as Iraq, South Korea and Saudi Arabia have highly implemented civilized monarchy in their ruling where there is no free will and that the citizens are fixed on inductive reasoning and materialism. In as long as the object consists only of relations, tropes and collection of property. He generally, influenced the systems of empiricism and Scepticism in Scotland.
George Kiosko Interpretation of Political Theories
George Klosko traced the development of political history from various periods, such as Ancient Greece to Reformation (Klosko 375). The main subject covered by the three philosophers identified above included the rise of Christian political theory, the political theory of middle ages and reformation. He conjoins moral relativism to unbridled egoism which the authors find as western intellectual traditions that should be implemented by government (Klosko 218). His interpretation primary focus on teaching the world on the gradual stages political powers have occurred as a result of philosophers’ arguments.
David Hume’s political argument as interpreted by George Klosko is that it is of modern conservatism with spontaneous liberalism. His case is highly connected with conventional attitude from his emphasis on civilized monarchy preservation. He considers institutional politics more as moralistic politics for excellent country performance (Klosko 210). His perfect Commonwealth idea is fixed to wealth and mere virtue scheme. On the other hand, George interpretation of Montesquieu philosophy is that the government should set up so that no men need to be afraid of them. The different branches incorporated should fit individual liberty, property right and general life. The national government should set a free and stable area through balanced powers.
He appreciates the work of the different philosophers to the modern world through the engagement of normative theory and contemporary political theory. For instance, Montesquieu ideologies and writings in his book, “The Spirit of Laws” has a significant impact to the creating based to different democratic institutions such as French Revolution in addition to other platforms such as United States of America Constitution. In Montesquieu, David Hume and Edmond Burke’s political theory have an impact on the modern world. From his interpretation, it clear that the authors have highly examined freedom, political obligation, rights and freedom based on the initiated political theories.
In conclusion, George Klosko analysis of the social contract theories in his book has helped readers understand the nature and purpose of the state. The political opinions as denoted by the different philosophers are tied to other topics such as ethical theories which value human liberty in addition to other rights. As further elaborated in the book, the government should strive to connect her people with the ruling initiated. Regardless of the method facilitated, it is the right of every citizen to understand political history in all aspects through the involvement of George Klosko History of Political Theory Book. Political philosophy, as examined by George through the introduction of different philosophers is essential in explaining the impact of philosophical arguments or perceptions to the modern world via the involvement of liberal tradition and western political theory.
References
Klosko, G. (2013). History of Political Theory: An Introduction: Volume II: Modern (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press 3-559.