Classical Political Thought Questions Medium
In Classical Political Thought, the idea of political obligation refers to the moral or ethical duty that individuals have towards the state or government. It is the belief that citizens have a responsibility to obey the laws and fulfill their civic duties in order to maintain a stable and just society.
One of the earliest and most influential theories on political obligation can be found in the works of ancient Greek philosopher Plato. In his famous dialogue "Crito," Plato presents the argument that individuals have an obligation to obey the laws of the state because they have implicitly consented to them by choosing to live within that society. According to Plato, the state provides numerous benefits and protections to its citizens, and in return, citizens are obligated to follow its laws and contribute to the common good.
Similarly, another prominent figure in Classical Political Thought, Aristotle, also emphasized the importance of political obligation. Aristotle believed that humans are inherently political beings and that the state is a natural and necessary institution for human flourishing. He argued that individuals have a moral duty to participate in the political community and contribute to its well-being. This participation includes obeying the laws, serving in public office, and engaging in civic activities.
The concept of political obligation was further developed by later thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and John Locke. Aquinas, a medieval philosopher, integrated religious and moral principles into his theory of political obligation. He argued that individuals have a duty to obey the laws of the state as long as they do not conflict with divine law. Locke, on the other hand, emphasized the social contract theory, which posits that individuals enter into a voluntary agreement with the state to protect their natural rights. According to Locke, citizens have an obligation to obey the laws of the state because they have consented to them through this social contract.
Overall, the idea of political obligation in Classical Political Thought revolves around the belief that individuals have a moral duty to obey the laws and fulfill their civic responsibilities in order to maintain a just and orderly society. It is based on the notion that the state provides benefits and protections to its citizens, and in return, citizens have an obligation to contribute to the common good and uphold the social contract.