Download the development of western political thought

THE DEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT
The development of Western political thought had many influences from both ancient and more
recent times in Europe. Those influences were: the Greek and Roman philosophers and
government styles, teachings of monotheistic religions, the rise of democracy in England, and the
17th and 18th century philosophers.
Greek philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, were the first to use their opinions on
natural rights, and apply them to political thinking. They said that, naturally, all humans have the
ability to use logic and reason and could use that to form fair, sensible laws. These ideas of
natural rights and logical formulation of laws are seen in Western political thought today when
laws are carefully written out by citizens and submitted for voting. Athenian and Roman
government also contributed a lot to the development of Western political thought. Ideas in
Athens such as separation of powers and juries have a great presence in Western political
thinking in that they are believed to be some of the best ways to keep power in check, and fairly
exercised. Ideas from Roman government have carried over to the modern West as well
These include a written legal code, and a republican form of government, ideas which are now
seen in the Constitution and Senate of the United States. Many ideas and ways of thinking from
Greece and Rome have been pillars of Western political thought.
In addition to governments and philosophers, a great deal of Western political thought has been
influenced by religion. Unlike other political systems, Judaism’s system taught morality. For
example, the Ten Commandments taught not to steal, murder, and commit adultery. Many of
these laws were once less prominent, but now, because of Judaism, are very much a part of the
Western political way of thinking. Judaism also spurred new thoughts of equality. Because God
made everyone, he had given everyone his divine spark, and therefore, all men were equal under
God. The idea that all men are created equal has survived even to the writing of the Declaration of
Independence. Followers of Islam were required to offer charity and help those in need.
Muhammad called them to be brothers and live in unity, creating a sense of community. This
sense of community is seen in Western political ideas of military, as well as charity spending.
The rise of democracy in England was the bridge between classical political ideas formed by
Greeks and Romans and modern Western ideas seen today. One major thing reintroduced to
England was a check to power. For years England had been ruled by a monarch, who was often
unfair and unjust. Finally, after a civil war, Parliament was able to limit the power of the
monarch and establish a healthy relationship. This idea of a check to power spurred
remembrance of Roman government, and how it had a three branch system. The idea of a check
to power is absolutely necessary in Western political thought because the consequences of not
having one are substantial. The second major step in England’s move towards democracy was
the Bill of Rights, the product resulting from the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta forced the king
to give Nobles rights that could not be taken from them. The Magna Carta encouraged
Parliament to make a bill of rights for all the citizens of England. The bill of rights greatly
influenced Western political thought with its stress on individual rights and liberties
This was proven when the United States made its own bill of rights.
The philosophers of the 17th and 18th century had a tremendous impact on Western political
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thought. John Locke believed that the government’s job was to protect the people’s life, liberty,
and property, and that failure to do so permitted the people to rebel against the government.
These ideas are very prominent in Western political thought and the way the United States came
to be was because of this very thought process, illustrated in the Declaration of Independence.
Voltaire was a philosopher who strongly advocated for tolerance, freedom of religion, and
freedom of speech. These things are some of the foundations of the United States, and are
therefore greatly a part of its political thought process.
In conclusion, Western political thought has been influenced by many different things over a
huge time period. Greek philosophers introduced the idea of natural rights. Greek and Roman
governments introduced the separation of powers, written law, and a senate. Religions
contributed ideas of morality, equality, and unity. The rise of democracy in England produced a
bill of rights and showed the consequences of a monarchy. Finally, the various philosophers of
the 17th and 18th centuries contributed to heightened requirements of liberty, freedom, and
government protection. All of these things contribute greatly to how Western political thought
came to be.
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