The View of Encyclopedia
Understanding the roots of our political system often means looking far back in time. The ancient Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE) offers important ideas about republicanism that resonate with today’s democratic experiment in the United States. We’ll explore how Cicero’s republican vision links with modern democracy, highlight tensions, and draw actionable lessons for … Read more
The article “Three Kinds of Ideas” explores how different levels of ideas—policy solutions, problem definitions, and public philosophies—shape the policymaking process and political change. Policy ideas like Keynesianism provide concrete solutions to given problems, while problem definitions frame what issues governments prioritize. At the broadest level, public philosophies and zeitgeist guide the underlying values and … Read more
The significance of ideas in politics has long been underestimated by political scientists focused on material interests and rational choices. Yet, ideas—ranging from beliefs and ideologies to policy frameworks—profoundly shape how societies think, act, and govern. This essay explores the evolution of political thought on the role of ideas, tracing its roots from Weber’s cultural … Read more
Many students, professionals, and public intellectuals ask: what is the difference between public policy vs political science? These terms often appear together. They overlap. But they serve distinct roles in how we study, design, and apply governance. This article clarifies the difference. You will see how each field works. You will also see how they … Read more
The central focus of the essay is the comparison and compatibility between the British Idealist moral philosophy of T. H. Green and the contemporary liberal theories of Rawls and Nagel, especially regarding value pluralism, moral conflict, and volitional vs. epistemological aspects Bringing Two Different Traditions Together: Compatibility of Themes and Contexts There is an overlap … Read more
In an increasingly global world, the fact of pluralism has become a problem. While difference is welcome when each culture has its own space to flourish, in a world of fast communications and ever more elusive boundaries, communities are more and more exposed to other people’s values. And even if we were to agree to disagree, there would … Read more
Unlike simple impulses or fleeting passions, Green’s concept of desire is rooted in self-conscious activity. A true desire, for Green, is not just a passing urge but a solicitation with which we identify and consciously adopt. This nuanced approach to human motivation challenges the mechanical models of Hume and aligns with the moral psychology of … Read more
In her book the Sovereignty of the Good Iris Murdoch remarked that moral philosophy often presupposes a philosophy of mind and a metaphysical doctrine. Certainly this is the case with T. H. Green. But in what way do Green’s philosophy of mind and metaphysics enable a deeper grasp of his moral philosophy? They do, I … Read more
Thomas Hill Green rejects hedonism and argues that the true moral good lies in self‑realization—the exercise of deliberative capacities that make moral responsibility possible. The self isn’t just a bundle of desires, but a rational, self‑reflective agent capable of endorsing, resisting, or reshaping those desires through deliberation. This makes self‑realization a categorical imperative, rooted in … Read more
Political science is a dynamic and broad field that plays a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today. By studying political science theory, we gain insight into the inner workings of governments, political systems, and the relationships between nations. This article will explore the main concepts of political science theory and its … Read more