History of Political Thought

History of political thoughts is correlated to the political philosophy which is the study of topics like liberty, justice, property, rights and law. The political thoughts derived also delves in to other subjects such as the authority of the law enforcing a legal code, the reason of their presence and if they are essential to legalize the law, the basis of government legitimate, the rights and freedom which should be protected by it and why, in what form, the laws and the duties of the citizens of the government. Political thought are named with various nomenclatures like political belief, political criticism, attitude, the necessity of existing politics and many more.

The history of political thoughts or philosophy dates back to the time of medieval era and even beyond when it was emerging to become one law to be abided by every citizen. According to research, western political thoughts and beliefs emerged from the Greek society which pioneered different political systems such as tyranny, monarchy, aristocracy, and finally democracy. Plato’s Republic is foremost work on political thoughts that can Aristotle and Nichomachean following the same footsteps.

Compared to the West, the thoughts related to governmental political organization of the Far East emerged from China and India. Ancient Indian and Chinese civilization resemble the Greeks way of living where unified culture where divided into different states. Others had refuted the political thoughts of the Far East but it is an undeniable truth that West borrowed some from the Eastern political beliefs.

Medieval Christian laws were the first discovered political thoughts that are based on God’s cosmic, Scriptural, Natural and Human laws. The European revolution paved way for modern day political conceptualization while it was the American Industrial Revolution that led to a parallel revolution in political thought. While Socialism gained popularity, a new concept of Marxism evolved with renowned leaders of the past. Political philosophy underwent overhaul after World War II and even a new Anglo-American thought was sown in the political milieu. Liberal politics led to liberalism and communitarianism which had strong criticism while the existing political thought accompanied with judicial system is highly condemned for it is going against the natural law by punishment imposed on the accused like death penalty. 

History of political thought had shaped up from various cultures and sub cultures which has reached the stage of democracy yet criticism shrouds as it goes against certain laws which is awaiting a revolutionary change.   

Questions:   

• What are the civilizations that influenced western political thought?
• How do you understand the existing political philosophy?