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The Social Contract Research Podcast
From Natural Politics to Social Contract in the History of Ideas, with Simon Kennedy
Aug 6, 2024
Simon Kennedy, a scholar exploring the prehistory of social contract ideas, dives deep into the evolution of political thought. He traces concepts from ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle to the transformative ideas of Hobbes and Locke. Highlights include the shift from divine to secular political authority and the contrasting views on self-preservation between Hobbes's individualism and Locke's collective humanity. The discussion also examines the complex relationship between politics, morality, and the divine, reflecting on the implications for modern governance.
01:21:03
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the historical transition from religiously rooted political authority to modern social contract theories emphasizing human constructs.
- Dr. Simon Kennedy discusses how classical thinkers like Plato and Aristotle framed human sociability as essential to political life.
Deep dives
Shift in Political Thought
Western thought experienced a significant shift from a sacral or theistic understanding of political origins to a conventionalist perspective, which emphasizes artificial constructs like the social contract. This transition highlights the emergence of modern social contract theory and the concept of the state of nature. The implication of this shift is profound, suggesting that it reflects a deeper change in how people perceive the purpose of politics, moving away from religious foundations. Such a transformation not only marks a departure from Christianity but redefines the foundational principles underlying political authority.
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