IGNOU MPSE- 003 Important Questions with answers- The course MPSE-003, Western Political Thought (From Plato to Marx), provides an overview of the major figures and concepts in Western political thought. The course begins with a discussion of the ancient Greek philosophers, who laid the foundations for Western political thought. It then examines the ideas of medieval philosophers, who grappled with the relationship between church and state. The course then turns to the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, which saw the rise of new ideas about individual rights and liberty. The course concludes with a discussion of the ideas of Karl Marx, who challenged the foundations of capitalism.
- Course Title: Western Political Thought (From Plato to Marx)
- Course Code: MPSE-003
- Language: English
- Level: Master’s Degree
- Credits: 4
IGNOU MPSE- 003 Important Questions with answers- Western political thought has had a profound impact on the development of political thought and practice throughout the world. The ideas of Western philosophers, from Plato and Aristotle to Locke and Marx, have shaped our understanding of the nature of government, the rights of citizens, and the purpose of the state.
Plato and Aristotle
Plato (427-347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC) were two of the most important philosophers of ancient Greece. Their ideas about the nature of government, the individual, and society have had a profound impact on Western political thought.
Course Structure
- Section 1: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
- Plato’s Republic
- Aristotle’s Politics
- Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica
- Section 2: Modern Political Thought
- John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract
- Karl Marx’s The Communist Manifesto
What is political thought? Distinguish political thought from political theory and political philosophy
IGNOU MPSE- 003 Important Questions with answers- Political thought, political theory, and political philosophy are related concepts within the field of political science, but they have distinct meanings and purposes.
- Political thought refers to the ideas, beliefs, opinions, and reflections about politics that individuals or societies have developed over time. It encompasses the broad spectrum of political ideas, including those of political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens.
- Political thought is often more fluid and context-dependent. It can be informal and may not always follow a systematic structure. It can emerge from historical events, cultural contexts, and personal experiences.
- Political thought encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including those that may not be part of formal academic discourse. It can include the ideas expressed in literature, speeches, public debates, and everyday conversations.
Political Theory
- Political theory is a more formal and systematic study of political ideas. It involves the critical examination and analysis of political concepts, institutions, and relationships. Political theory aims to develop general principles and frameworks that can be applied to understand political phenomena.
- Political theory is more structured and rigorous compared to political thought. It often involves the development of models, frameworks, and conceptual tools to analyze political systems and behavior.
- Political theory addresses fundamental questions about justice, authority, power, and governance. It seeks to provide normative guidance for political action and decision-making
In summary, while political thought encompasses a broad range of ideas about politics, political theory involves a more systematic and formal study of these ideas, aiming to develop general principles. Political philosophy, on the other hand, is a more abstract and comprehensive exploration of the fundamental questions underlying politics and society. Political thought is often considered the broader and more informal category, while political theory and political philosophy represent more focused and structured approaches within the field of political science
Describe the nature of the western political thought.
What are, in your opinion, the major contents of iyestem political thought?
Amplify the significance and relevance of western political thought.
Critically exaluine Plato’s Theory of Education.
Evaluate Plato’s Theory of Justice is the light of the prevailing theories of justice.
Explain the importance of co~ii~nunity of wives and property in Plato’s ideal state.
Discrlss Plato’s theory of ideal state. What qualities does Plato suggest for the ruling class?
Assess Popper’s critique of Plalo.
Evaluate Plato’s political philosophy. What is Plato’s contribution to western political tliought?
Evaluate Aristotle’s criticisnl of Plato.
Discuss Aristotle’s theory of justice and compare it with that of Plato.
State and exalnilie Aristotle’s theory of slavery.
“Aristotle is ‘a status-quoist”. In the light of this statement, examine Aristotle’s views on revolution.
Critically exa~ilirie Aristotle’s theory of state.
What is Aristotle’s contribution to the Western Political Theory?
What is tnanYs natural state of nature according to Hobbes?
What are the ways in wllicll man niay escape the state of nature as explained by Hobbes?
Wllat paradoxes arise out of this way of escape?
Do you think Hobbes’ stress on a sovereign power was an argu~nent in support of absolutist desp~tism? Why?