POL113 Exam Review

.docx

School

University of Toronto *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

113

Subject

Political Science

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by GeneralFog3665

POL113 Exam Review 1. Oakeshott's conservative man and his attitude to change. When defining the conservative man, Oakeshott outlines several important characteristics including the conservative man’s attitudes towards change and innovation. Oakeshott defines the conservative man as one that values traditions and organic change over artificial change implemented by humans. In addition, the conservative man believes that change should be small and gradual rather than large and sudden. This is to ensure that the change that is occurring is beneficial; if it is not beneficial, then necessary adjustments can be made. Oakeshott suggests that the conservative man believes that innovation without improvement holds no value, and that it is up to the innovator to prove the value or benefits of their innovation. In addition, the conservative man considers that innovations that are more closely attributed to natural growth are more advantageous. Furthermore, the conservative man believes that innovations or changes that target a specific defect/problem are more desirable in relation to innovations or changes that target a more general problem. Oakeshott also highlights the importance of occasion when it comes to change and innovation. He notes that the conservative man considers the most favourable occasion for change and innovation to be when the change is manageable and can be limited to its intended consequences to avoid undesired outcomes. 2. Oakeshott. What conservative governments are about. What it does and doesn’t do. Oakeshott defines conservatism as a disposition – which refers to the qualities of one’s mind and character. Oakeshott argues that conservatism in politics does not relate to imposing natural law, providential order, morals, and religion. Instead, conservatism holds the idea that governing should be limited to providing general rules of conduct that allow individuals to pursue their interests with minimal involvement from the government. These rules are meant to cater to all views and provide people with a safe and peaceful environment, not to impose any particular beliefs and policies on people. Oakeshott states that conservative governments are never to impose beliefs and activities on people, educate them, make them happier in another way, direct their actions, and lead them to coordinate activities in order to avoid any conflict. According to Oakeshott, conservative governments typically stick to ruling as per the general rules, and don’t implement their personal views and agendas. This is because the conservative government believes in limiting the role of the government in peoples’ lives and promoting individual freedom. 3. Cohen's 2 socialist principles and how they are related to one another. Cohen’s two socialist principles are the principle of community and the principle of equality. According to Cohen, the principle of community involves people caring for and about one another. He argues that one cannot truly enjoy community unless the most advantaged help the least advantaged. Thus, the principle of community values collective ownership over the production and distribution of resources. According to Cohen, the principle of equality is based on the belief that everyone should have equal opportunities in life, which is often implemented through equal access to resources, and by limiting any external disadvantageous factors. However, this does not prevent inequalities of outcomes that result due to choices, talent, or chance; this is where the principle of community comes in. The principle of community promotes the prosperity of community over the individual by limiting inequalities of outcomes.

For example, if an individual or private entity gained mass profit, the principle of community would ensure that it benefits all members of the community equally. 4. Cohen. The differences between socialist equality of opportunity and the left liberal equality of opportunity. Cohen defines the left liberal equality of opportunity as eliminating circumstances of birth and upbringing that cause people to make greater efforts and face disadvantageous situation; this does not include legal discrimination, instead, it focuses on providing opportunities as access to education to eliminate any social disadvantages one might face. In contrast, the socialist equality of opportunity seeks to eliminate all unchosen disadvantages, including social misfortunes and natural misfortunes such as lack of talent or skill. This means that all people will be equally compensated, no matter the magnitude of their talent and skill. 5. Friedman. M. How capitalism and freedom are related to one another. Friedman defines capitalism as an economic system in which economic activity is managed through private entities in a free market. Friedman states that capitalism offers individuals economic freedom as the bulk of the economic activity is managed by private entities, rather than government authority. This prevents the concentration of power by a single organization. He argues that economic freedom is directly related to achieving political freedom as individuals can pursue personal interests and desires in a capitalist society without excessive interference from the government due to the spread of authority/power. Economic and political freedom go hand in hand and are the result of a capitalist society as individual interests create chances for innovation and competition, which leads to further economic growth and more economic freedom for all. 6. Friedman. M. How dispersing and limiting government power helps preserve and protect freedom. According to Friedman, dispersing and limiting government power helps preserve and protect freedom. This is because when excessive power is left in the hands of a government, it can often lead to corruption or authoritarianism, as there are little to no obstacles for a leader to take control of that power and misuse it. Thus, it is crucial to disperse and limit government power through private enterprises and various levels of governments. These measures create several obstacles for anyone thinking about abusing their position. In addition, private enterprise allows for more economic freedom for individuals, which makes it harder for governments to implement harmful economic policies as a means for manipulating economic and political freedom. In addition, limiting government power allows individuals to pursue their interests and make personal choices with minimal government interference. 7. Schumpeter. How minimalist democracy differs from classical democracy which he rejects. Schumpeter outlines classical democracy as following: democracy is a way of making political decisions that promote common good by allowing people to vote for those who will represent issues and make decisions on voters; behalf. However, Schumpeter argues that there is no common good, no general will, and people are not rational. Instead, he proposes minimalist democracy, which means democracy is a way of making political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to make decisions through competitive election for votes. The two are not

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help