How Do You Differentiate Classical and Contemporary Political Thoughts?

Understanding the distinction between classical and contemporary political thoughts is essential for both scholars and general readers. While classical political thoughts are often rooted in ancient wisdom and traditions, contemporary political thoughts reflect modern, evolving ideas influenced by current issues and trends.

Classical Political Thoughts: Wisdom Through the Ages

Classical political thoughts can be seen as your grandparents' advice—time-tested and honed over generations. These thoughts often centre around timeless principles such as justice, virtue, and the role of government. Think of them as a well-worn cookbook recipe passed down through the family; it always seems to work because it's been refined through experience.

Historical figures like Cicero exemplify this. His writings on ancient rhetoric are considered the pinnacle of hermeneutics. Cicero's life and thought exemplify how a virtuous life can be achieved. His emphasis on wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice represents the core of classical political thought. Cicero’s works, such as 'De Officiis' and 'De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum,' serve as a testament to this historical wisdom.

Contemporary Political Thoughts: Always Evolving

Contemporary political thoughts, on the other hand, are like the latest social media trends—you're constantly updating, adapting, and experimenting with new ideas and policies. This is akin to always having the newest smartphone model, where what is trendy today might be outdated tomorrow. Contemporary political thought emerged from the philosophical works of thinkers like Descartes, Kant, Hegel, and Marx and their influential progeny.

The Frankfurt School and Postmodernists

Key figures in the development of contemporary political thought include members of the Frankfurt School, such as Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, as well as postmodernists like Jean-Fran?ois Lyotard, and pragmatists like Richard Rorty and John Dewey. These thinkers sought to transform traditional notions of freedom and justice, striving to create a more equitable society through radical changes in thought and practice.

From Ancient to Modern Political Thought

Whereas ancient political thought, as represented by figures like Plato and Aristotle, focused on the 'good life' and ethical and moral concerns, modern political thought veered towards a more empirical, science-based approach. This shift was marked by the works of Machiavelli, who introduced the concept of political pragmatism, and Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, who emphasized the importance of individual rights and the social contract.

The works of John Rawls and other liberal theorists exemplify this modern approach. Rawls' theory of justice as fairness, which relies on empirical observations, represents a significant departure from the ethical focus of classical political thought. Similarly, the importance of facts and empirical evidence in political theory became paramount. In contemporary thought, the state and political behavior are central theoretical categories, often intertwined with interdisciplinary perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, and history.

Implications and Conclusion

While classical political thoughts offer timeless wisdom and a moral framework, contemporary political thoughts provide a dynamic and evolving approach that addresses the complexities of modern society. Understanding both perspectives can enrich one's approach to political analysis and practice.