One of the first things we have learned about politics this semester is that there is a constant struggle over the true definition, especially in how broad or narrow the definition is. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that “Politics are such torment that I would advise everyone I love not to mix with them.” it is understood that he is referring to the electoral and governmental aspects of politics. If Dr. Michael Rivage-Seul and Leslie Cagan were to read this quote, they would argue that Jefferson has an extremely narrow view of politics and that if one were to desire a more accurate definition, they would have to look further than the restrictive culturally accepted definition. Martin Luther King, Jr. would also disagree with this definition but he I think he would have a bigger problem with the advice that Jefferson is giving. All three of the authors that we have looked at would, in one way or another, be forced to disagree with Jefferson based on the principles that they try to uphold and emphasize in their writings and speeches.
According to Dr. Michael Rivage-Seul, we are living in a world full of deceit and human frailty. He stresses this particular point in his essay “Taking Risks in Plato‘s Cave” which helps to illustrate that not everything we know to be true is actually true. He also believes that, just as in the parable, we have an obligation to ourselves to look at all aspects and trey to understand all observed viewpoints. His words enforce this belief when he says “We can’t begin our escape from ignorance without the intervention of an outsider, without listening to others.” (Rivage-Seul, 6). In his teachings, Rivage-Seul tries to highlight the importance of thinking for ourselves and always being weary of a socially accepted truth.
If Leslie Cagan, author of the essay “What is Politics?” was asked to comment on Jeffersons’ quote, I would imagine that she would probably scorn him for his narrow minded view of politics. I am also led to believe that she would say that Jefferson was no more politically aware than the rest of the general public because of the common ignorant definition they share. Cagan would argue that politics has to do with just about everything in the world and he stresses the complexity and immeasurable depth in the word when he says “How we understand (and therefore act out of that understanding) “politics” and “political struggle” is no small matter.
Though the full scope wasn't probably apparent, Jefferson had a way of ensuring these types of meetings would universally be looked back on the way he wanted. Many of the discussions leading up to the dinner conversation were conveniently tucked away. This made the dinner conversation out to be much more important and decisive than it probably actually was. Ellis repeatedly touches these three themes throughout “The Dinner” to illustrate how much personal relationships, ideas, personalities, and presumed control affected the way our government was formed, and how we view the process as it took place.
compromise. Jefferson’s account suggests the growing divide, showing that without a mediator, the ideologies are too far divided to achieve legisla...
In society it is a person’s duty to teach others what they do not know. People do not need to tell others of their knowledge, but in order for society to function together people must all be taught the basics of reality. In the parable “Allegory of the Cave” the author and philosopher, Plato, uses hypothetical situation, rhetorical questions, and diction to tell his audience that a person’s reality depends on the environment they are raised in, and how it is the responsibility of the ones knowledgeable to teach others so society can thrive with most of the same beliefs.
In conclusion, Plato's story of the cave brings up many philosophical points and most importantly, addresses the issue of society's role in our lives. To some degree, we are all influenced by the thoughts and actions of others; however, at the same time, we have the ability to question, draw our own conclusions, and ultimately make our own choices.
Americans have become so engrossed with the rhetoric of political parties that many are unable have real discussions about “freedom, fairness, equality, opportunity, security, accountability.” (Lakoff p.177) The election of 1828 gave birth to the “professional politician” it demonstrated how “ambivalence” on issues, how image and the right language or narrative can influence voters. Partisanship did increase competition and empower voters to a greater degree, but it has also divided Americans and obstructed communication. As one historian declared the “old hickory” killed the ideal of nonpartisan leadership. (Parsons p.184) For better or for worse American politics were forever be changed in 1828.
1. In your opinion, which ancient political practice, protective or developmental republicanism, has had the greatest impact on our liberal democratic practice?
Jones, W. T. Masters of Political Thought. Ed. Edward, McChesner, and Sait. Vol. 2. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1947.
The US Congress is changing. The US congress politics are changing too and there are several long term trends in the law making. There have been several reforms within the congress and everything is not business as usual. The changes are aimed towards the end of the congressional perks and also bring the end of special interests. The congress rating in public opinions has also been falling. At the same time there has been rise in recent trends such as the plebiscitary politics, governing as campaigning, new forms of organized influence, changing party control and changing membership. This paper discusses the concept of plebiscitary politics and governing as campaigning.
June just yelled at the Glorious Elector of The Republic, to be a better politician. She brought up the topic of separating emotions of going into war, “You have to make decisions that break your heart, that hurt and deceive, that no one else will understand. It’s your duty”. That isn’t always the case, where you have to rise up the courage to tell someone in power, that they are doing their job wrong and even if they are living their life wrong. June Iparis explains how to use justification “When emotion fails, logic will save you.” (177)
“She must know how to cook, she must know how to set her table attractively, she must know how to make her home comfortable and inviting, she must know the worth of labor saving devices and how best to conserve her time and energy, she must know clothes, how to buy and how to make them”. This was the stereotype for most all women in that time. This pattern continued on for many years, but women everywhere made a huge step during WWII. Many historians and people living in the time of World War Two agree that women helped greatly in improving our war effort and taking responsibility of the jobs at home. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the decision was made to go to war. Many men were sent off, leaving many vacancies in their everyday jobs. Normally, the government and society discouraged women who wanted to go to work. But the war demanded much more than we anticipated, and women started getting involved. During WWII, women were given the opportunity to take on a job in the workforce, rather than stay at home, many new propaganda campaigns started, urging women to join the workforce, and during WWII, the ideas of women's roles started to change.
People do not like to believe they are puppets on strings, as free will is more fun, exciting and empowering. But sadly it does not matter what people think, for their futures have already been decided. Especially if you are a hero, chances are, your destiny has already been made. As dramatic and mystical as it may sound, but fate overpowers free will. No matter what route one takes, and what type of extreme measure a person is willing to go through, if it is ones destiny to achieve something or lose something or do something, they will do it. However, free will does have a role to play.
that politics is the art of ruling and being ruled in turn. In The Politics,
Southeastern University is a private, Co-ed, Christian university. SEU’s main focus is to equip their students to be a next generation of leaders so that they can enter the real world as influential servants to their careers and communities. Southeastern university offers a plentiful amount of study programs, even the program I am interested in which is Human services. I selected this school First because it is a Christian college, and Second because of the programs of study. I chose to go to a Christian college because I grew up in a Christian household and because I believe in Jesus. I also chose Southeastern University because of the programs of study. SEU was one of the few colleges that had a program of study that I was interested in.
Still innocent and so naïve, the common human consciousness slowly began to raise itself, giving birth thereat to great men, who will forever remain in the hearts of the “consecrated”. One of those great men was Plato.