Classical Political Theory

Classical political theory refers to the foundational ideas and concepts

developed by ancient and early modern political thinkers. These theories have si

Significantly influenced the way we understand and approach politics. While

the term "classical" encompasses a broad range of thinkers and ideas, there are
some common characteristics that define this body of thought:

1. Human Nature: Classical political theorists often pondered the

fundamental nature of human beings. They explored questions
like whether humans are inherently good or evil, self-interested
or altruistic. Understanding human nature was essential for
shaping the ideal political system.
2. Virtue and Citizenship: Many classical political theorists
emphasized the importance of virtue and ethics in the conduct of
citizens and leaders. They believed that virtuous citizens were
essential for a stable and just society.
3. Natural Law: Classical political theory often relied on the
concept of natural law, which posits that there are inherent and
universal principles governing human behavior and society.
These principles were believed to be discoverable through reason
and observation.
4. Social Contract: Several classical political theorists, such as
Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
explored the idea of a social contract. This theoretical agreement
between individuals and the state forms the basis of political
authority and legitimacy.
5. Hierarchy and Inequality: Classical political theorists
acknowledged hierarchical social structures and sometimes
endorsed the idea that certain individuals or groups were
naturally superior to others. They often justified social
inequalities based on factors like wealth, intelligence, or
birthright.
6. Limited Government: Many classical political theorists
advocated for limited government power and believed in the
importance of checks and balances. They saw the potential
dangers of centralized authority and sought to prevent the abuse
of power.
7. Rule of Law: The rule of law was a crucial principle in classical
political theory. It meant that all individuals, including those in
power, were subject to the law, and no one was above it.
 8. Republicanism: In some classical political theories, such as in the
works of Machiavelli and Aristotle, there was an emphasis on
republicanism. This idea favored a system of government where
citizens had a direct or indirect role in decision-making and were
actively engaged in the political process.
9. Emphasis on Civic Duty: Classical political thinkers often
stressed the importance of civic duty and public service. They
believed that citizens should actively participate in the political
life of their community for the collective good.
10.Historical Context: Classical political theory emerged in various
historical contexts, and the ideas put forth were often influenced
by the challenges and realities of the time. For instance, the
upheavals of revolutions, wars, and societal changes shaped the
perspectives of many classical theorists.
It is important to note that classical political theory is not a monolithic or
homogenous body of thought, and there are variations in the ideas and
perspectives of different thinkers. Nevertheless, these characteristics provide a
broad overview of the key themes that define classical political theory.

Contributions of Aristotle in Political Science

ARISTOTLE’S ARGUMENT for the supreme authority of the city is

foundational to the Politics, his treatise on political science. In the first chapters
of the Politics, Aristotle argues that the city is a natural whole that emerges
organically from natural but primitive associations like the independent family.
He concludes on this basis that the human being is a mere “part” of the city just
as a hand is a part of a body, implying that everything about the individual —
his or her function, duties, and happiness — is determined by the city, which is
to say by its laws and rulers. On this view, there is no distinct sphere of human
liberty beyond the city, as is presupposed by our rights-oriented constitution.

The implications of this outlook for the question of speech is indicated more
clearly in the introduction to the Nicomachean Ethics, the companion or prequel
to the Politics which investigates happiness and virtue. Aristotle begins
the Ethics with the argument that “every art and every inquiry” — and thus also
every “science” — “is held to aim at some good” and that this good, or at least
its highest or fullest form is the political good. He concludes from this that the
city is authoritative over the use and purpose of all of the arts and sciences.
Political authority determines the bounds, if not the conclusions, of all scientific
inquiry.

While these arguments promote the authority of the city apparently at the
expense of philosophy or free inquiry, they also crucially yoke the city’s
authority to philosophy. Therefore, while they don’t propose any particular
measures establishing freedom of speech, they nevertheless imply that the city
depends philosophy, and therefore on a thorough questioning of all matters. For
instance, while Aristotle argues that the city is authoritative over all the
particular sciences, he also insists that this authority itself admits of a science —
a supreme, or “architectonic” science. Aristotle furthermore suggests that
although not everyone necessarily need to possess such a science, it is
always better to understand things for oneself than to take one’s bearings from
authority alone.

In his account of the natural origins of the city in the Politics, moreover,
Aristotle proves even more radical than his teachers. For while Socrates takes
pains to deny at his trial that he engaged in natural science or doubted the city’s
gods, Aristotle’s argument for the supreme authority of the city is founded on a
natural science that all but explicitly denies the agency of traditional gods in
human politics. Thus, in promoting the authority of the city, Aristotle makes the
city dependent on natural science, which it had hitherto regarded as a nuisance
at best and at worst a grave danger. In doing so, Aristotle radically undermines
traditional religious sources of authority.

Contribution of Plato in Political Science

The biggest contribution of Plato is ‘The Theory of The Philosopher King.’

According to him, that state is ideal, where philosophers are the rulers. In the
words of Plato, “Until philosophers are the rulers or rulers learn philosophy,
there is no end to the predicament of human life.”
He wants to create an ideal state. To create an ideal state, one needs the idea of
the ideal state.
Since idea cannot be seen, it can only be understood by the use of reason.
Hence the person in whom ‘Reason’ dominates i.e. Philosopher King can create,
the ideal state.
What is idea?
Scholars have classified the reality into two types. 1. Matter 2. Idea. Matter is
Physical, so can be understood through the use of sensory organs like eyes, ears
etc. e.g. Money. Idea cannot be understood through the sensory organs. It can be
understood only through the use of reason. e.g. Honesty.
Matter belongs to the world of change. Whereas Idea belongs to the world of
permanence. Idea is the perfect manifestation because it belongs to the world of
God. Matter belongs to this world, this world is a world of imperfections. His
theory of Idea is based on the Socrates’s Theory of Knowledge
Plato uses many stories to explain his position.He uses “Allegory of Cave” to
show the difference between real knowledge and the illusion of knowledge.
3-4 persons are sitting in the cave (denotes Ignorance), the hands of these
persons are tied, and they cannot move out. They are sitting with their back
towards the mouth of the cave.
Fire is burning inside the cave. When people and other objects, outside the cave
pass through, they observe the shadow of these objects on the wall of the cave.
Since they have not observed the real objects, they consider shadow as real.
By chance the chain of one person gets broken. He runs out of the cave. He
enters into the sunlight. Initially he feels pain in his eyes but later on realizes
what he was observing was the illusion of reality, rather than reality. He realizes
that the real world is more beautiful than the world of illusions.
Sunlight is a symbol of real knowledge. Whereas fire cannot give real light.
Such person goes back inside the cave, and explains the reality, other prisoners
make fun of him. Other prisoners are extremely reluctant to leave their
bondages and to come in sunlight.
It shows that people prefer to live in the den of ignorance, develop their comfort
zone. The person, will push these persons forcibly in the sunlight and gradually
they also realize the reality.
The person who is pushing is a teacher.