YUNOVA · Political Science
Module 12: Classical and Indian political thought
Plato and Aristotle political thought
Key points
- Plato's Republic describes an ideal state ruled by philosopher-kings.
- Aristotle classified constitutions and saw humans as political animals.
- Both linked politics closely with justice and virtue.
Machiavelli and Hobbes
Key points
- Machiavelli's The Prince discusses how rulers gain and keep power.
- Hobbes's Leviathan describes life without government as a war of all against all.
- Hobbes argued people accept a strong sovereign for security.
Locke and Rousseau social contract
Key points
- Locke held that government protects natural rights to life, liberty and property.
- Rousseau argued legitimate authority rests on the general will.
- Both used the social contract to explain political authority.
Gandhi and Ambedkar political thought
Key points
- Gandhi stressed non-violence, swaraj and decentralised village self-rule.
- Ambedkar focused on social justice, equality and the end of caste discrimination.
- Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.