1. How would you explain the similarity between Christian idea to share for the well being of the community and Rousseau’s general will/ environment shapes peoples behavior?
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2. How did ancient Greek philosophers and French philosophers ideas of the 18th century lead to democratic ideas?
1. Both Christian and Rousseau's philosophy emphasize that the community best serves individuals. Christians believed that love and altruism held communities together. Rousseau is more pragmatic.
Check this article.
http://philosophy.eserver.org/rousseau-and-locke.txt
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1. To explain the similarity between the Christian idea of sharing for the well-being of the community and Rousseau's concept of the general will/environment shaping people's behavior, we first need to understand the core principles of each ideology.
In Christianity, the concept of sharing derives from the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized love, compassion, and selflessness towards others. Christians are encouraged to share their resources, both material and spiritual, for the betterment of the community. This idea resonates with the belief that promoting the well-being of others ultimately leads to a more harmonious and just society.
On the other hand, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an Enlightenment-era philosopher, argued that individuals are shaped primarily by their environment. Rousseau's concept of the general will states that the collective interests and desires of the community should take precedence over individual interests. According to him, a properly functioning society is one in which individuals participate in decision-making processes that align with the common good.
Both Christianity and Rousseau's idea of the general will acknowledge the importance of promoting the well-being of the community over self-interest. While the Christian principle focuses on voluntary acts of sharing and selflessness, Rousseau's theory suggests that social and environmental factors shape individuals' behavior towards the common good. Thus, the similarity lies in how both ideologies highlight the importance of collective well-being and the notion that individual actions contribute to the betterment of society.
2. The ideas of ancient Greek philosophers and French philosophers of the 18th century played significant roles in shaping democratic ideas. Here's an explanation of how:
Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, explored various political systems and philosophical concepts that significantly influenced democratic ideas. They questioned existing social structures and power dynamics, paving the way for the development of democratic principles.
Socrates' teachings emphasized the importance of individual citizens engaging in dialogue and critical thinking as a means of shaping a just and effective government. Plato further extended this concept by proposing a utopian society governed by laws rather than individuals. He envisioned a system where philosopher-kings, individuals who possessed wisdom and virtue, ruled in the best interest of the people.
Aristotle, in his renowned work "Politics," analyzed and classified different forms of government, highlighting the merits and shortcomings of each. He argued for a system called polity, which combined elements of democracy and oligarchy, advocating for the participation of all citizens while ensuring stability and fairness.
The influence of these ancient Greek philosophical ideas continued through various transitions in history, and they resurfaced during the Enlightenment period in 18th-century Europe. French philosophers, such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau, sought to challenge existing monarchies and advocate for democratic principles.
Montesquieu, in his book "The Spirit of the Laws," proposed the separation of powers, an essential principle in democratic systems. He argued for a government divided into three branches – legislative, executive, and judicial – to prevent the accumulation of power in a single entity.
Voltaire, known for his advocacy of civil liberties, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance, contributed to the development of democratic principles by confronting the oppressive practices of the time. His writings and satirical works aimed to expose the abuses of authority and promote equality and political freedom.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, mentioned earlier, challenged traditional views on governance with his concept of the social contract, which emphasized the importance of the general will and direct democracy. Rousseau's ideas paved the way for the development of participatory democratic systems, where citizens actively contribute to decision-making processes.
In summary, the ideas of ancient Greek philosophers and French philosophers of the 18th century provided critical foundations for democratic principles. Their discussions on the role of citizens, the separation of powers, civil liberties, and the general will significantly influenced the development of democratic ideas and the establishment of democratic systems in various parts of the world.