Interventions | The Intellectual History Podcast

Equality, Intellectual Traditions, and the Seventeenth Century (Prof. Teresa Bejan)

Apr 26, 2024

Teresa Bejan, a political theory professor at the University of Oxford and author of 'Mere Civility,' dives into the intriguing dynamics of equality in the seventeenth century. She critiques the notion of civility as a true marker of equality, exploring its ties to social hierarchies. Bejan also unpacks ancient concepts of free speech, linking them to modern debates, and highlights the nuanced differences between descriptive and prescriptive narratives of equality. Her insights challenge conventional thinking and encourage a broader engagement with political philosophy.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

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Exploring Civility and Equality in the 17th Century

03:59 • 3min

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Unpacking Free Speech: Ancient Insights for Modern Debates

07:22 • 5min

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Reevaluating Political Philosophy: From Rawls to Hobbes

11:53 • 25min

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Exploring the Dynamics of Equality: Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Narratives

36:43 • 3min

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First Among Equals, The Practice and Theory of Early Modern Equality

Teresa Bejan

Mere Civility and the Limits of Toleration

Teresa Bejan

Two Treatises Of Government

John Locke

Published in 1689, 'Two Treatises of Government' is a seminal work by John Locke that critiques the divine right of kings and advocates for a government based on the consent of the governed. The first treatise refutes Robert Filmer's 'Patriarcha,' which argued for the divine right of kings, while the second treatise outlines Locke's theory of civil society, the state of nature, natural rights, and the social contract. Locke argues that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the people and that individuals have the right to rebellion if the government fails to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. His ideas significantly influenced the American and French Revolutions and remain central to liberal political theory.

A theory of justice

John Rawls

In 'A Theory of Justice,' John Rawls develops a moral theory of justice as fairness, which is an alternative to utilitarianism. The theory is based on the social contract approach and uses the concept of the original position and the veil of ignorance to derive two principles of justice. The first principle, the greatest equal liberty principle, ensures that each person has an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all. The second principle, which includes the difference principle and the equal opportunity principle, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile liberty and equality in a well-ordered society.

Paradise Lost

John Milton

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

LEVIATHAN

Thomas Hobbes

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

What can the seventeenth century teach us about equality? Why do philosophers construct intellectual traditions and how do we use them? In what ways is political theory an educative endeavour? These are some of the questions we asked Teresa Bejan, Professor of Political Theory at the University of Oxford.

Publications mentioned in this episode include:

First Among Equals: The Practice and Theory of Early Modern Equality. Under contract with Harvard University Press.

Mere Civility: Disagreement and the Limits of Toleration (Harvard University Press, 2017)

“The Historical Rawls,” Special Forum for Modern Intellectual History, co-edited with Sophie Smith and Annette Zimmermann (2021).

“Rawls’s Teaching and the ‘Tradition’ of Political Philosophy,” Modern Intellectual History (2021).

“‘Since all the World is Mad, Why should not I be so?’ Equality, Hierarchy, and Ambition in the Thought of Mary Astell.” Political Theory (online first May 2019).

“The Two Clashing Meanings of Free Speech,” The Atlantic (2 Dec. 2017).

“Teaching the Leviathan: Thomas Hobbes on Education,” Oxford Review of Education 36:5 (2010).

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