How can political philosophy and normative political thought be useful for empirical political science?
Do you believe that it is possible for a traditional aristocracy to rule in a way that is beneficial to the broader population? What does your opinion on this question reveal about your view of human nature?
What were the major similarities and differences between Plato and Aristotle’s views of democracy. With which do you most closely agree?
What does individual liberty entail? Which philosophers discussed in this chapter view liberty as a positive thing—to be gained—and which view liberty as something to be feared?
Do you see evidence of “social Darwinism” in today’s world? Why or why not?
