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What is the Argument from Politics?

Description: The Argument from Politics is a philosophical argument that seeks to establish the existence of God based on the observation of political order and governance in human societies. It posits that the existence of a higher authority or governing force is necessary to explain the intricate organization and functioning of political systems.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: philosophy of mind political philosophy theology
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What is the central premise of the Argument from Politics?

  1. The existence of political order implies the existence of a higher authority.

  2. Political systems are inherently chaotic and disorganized.

  3. Human societies are governed by natural laws rather than divine intervention.

  4. The concept of justice is subjective and varies across different cultures.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics argues that the intricate organization and functioning of political systems cannot be explained solely by human reason or natural laws. It posits that a higher authority or governing force is necessary to account for the order and stability observed in political societies.

According to the Argument from Politics, what role does the higher authority play in political systems?

  1. It establishes and enforces laws and regulations.

  2. It resolves conflicts and disputes among individuals and groups.

  3. It provides guidance and direction to political leaders and decision-makers.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics posits that the higher authority plays a multifaceted role in political systems, encompassing the establishment and enforcement of laws, the resolution of conflicts, and the provision of guidance to political leaders. It argues that these functions are essential for maintaining order and stability in society.

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the Argument from Politics?

  1. Plato

  2. Aristotle

  3. Cicero

  4. Augustine of Hippo


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics is primarily attributed to the Roman philosopher and statesman Cicero, who expounded on it in his work \"De Republica\" (\"On the Republic\"). Cicero argued that the existence of political order and governance is evidence of a divine or transcendent force that oversees human affairs.

What is the main objection to the Argument from Politics?

  1. It relies on circular reasoning by assuming the existence of God to explain political order.

  2. It ignores the role of human reason and agency in the development of political systems.

  3. It fails to account for the diversity of political systems and ideologies across different societies.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Critics of the Argument from Politics raise several objections, including the circularity of its reasoning, the neglect of human agency, and the failure to address the variations in political systems across cultures. They argue that these weaknesses undermine the argument's validity and credibility.

How does the Argument from Politics relate to other arguments for the existence of God?

  1. It is an extension of the cosmological argument, focusing on the order of political systems rather than the universe.

  2. It is a distinct argument that relies on political phenomena rather than natural or metaphysical considerations.

  3. It is a counterargument to the problem of evil, asserting that political order demonstrates God's benevolence.

  4. It is a combination of the ontological and teleological arguments, applied to the realm of politics.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics is generally considered a distinct argument for the existence of God, as it draws on political phenomena and observations rather than natural or metaphysical considerations. It is not directly related to other arguments such as the cosmological, ontological, or teleological arguments, although it may share some similarities in its underlying principles.

In the context of the Argument from Politics, what is the significance of the concept of \"natural law\"?

  1. It refers to a set of universal moral principles that govern human behavior.

  2. It is a theory that explains the origin and evolution of political systems.

  3. It is a legal framework based on the customs and traditions of a particular society.

  4. It is a body of laws enacted by a legislative body.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the context of the Argument from Politics, the concept of \"natural law\" refers to a set of universal moral principles that are believed to be inherent in human nature and independent of human will or convention. These principles are often seen as evidence of a higher authority or divine lawgiver.

Which of the following is an example of a political phenomenon that the Argument from Politics might cite as evidence for the existence of God?

  1. The existence of a system of laws and regulations.

  2. The peaceful resolution of conflicts through negotiation and compromise.

  3. The emergence of leaders who possess wisdom and integrity.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics draws on various political phenomena to support its case for the existence of God. These phenomena may include the existence of a system of laws and regulations, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the emergence of wise and virtuous leaders, and other aspects of political order that are seen as evidence of a higher authority or governing force.

How does the Argument from Politics address the problem of evil and suffering in the world?

  1. It argues that evil and suffering are necessary for the overall good of the universe.

  2. It claims that evil and suffering are the result of human sin and disobedience.

  3. It denies the existence of evil and suffering, asserting that they are illusions.

  4. It does not address the problem of evil and suffering directly.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics primarily focuses on the existence of political order and governance as evidence for the existence of God. It does not directly address the problem of evil and suffering in the world. Some proponents of the argument may attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the existence of a benevolent God, but this is not a central aspect of the argument itself.

What is the relationship between the Argument from Politics and the concept of \"divine right\" of kings?

  1. The Argument from Politics supports the idea that kings have a divine right to rule.

  2. The Argument from Politics is a critique of the concept of \"divine right\" of kings.

  3. The Argument from Politics is unrelated to the concept of \"divine right\" of kings.

  4. The Argument from Politics is a precursor to the concept of \"divine right\" of kings.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics has been used to support the idea that kings have a divine right to rule. By arguing that political order is evidence of a higher authority, the argument implies that those who hold political power do so by virtue of their connection to this higher authority. This line of reasoning has been employed to justify monarchical rule and the authority of kings.

How does the Argument from Politics contribute to the broader philosophical discussion on the nature of reality?

  1. It provides evidence for the existence of a transcendent realm beyond the physical world.

  2. It challenges the idea of a purely materialistic or naturalistic worldview.

  3. It supports the notion that human reason is the ultimate source of truth and knowledge.

  4. It has no bearing on the broader philosophical discussion on the nature of reality.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

By arguing for the existence of a higher authority or governing force behind political order, the Argument from Politics suggests the existence of a transcendent realm beyond the physical world. This line of reasoning challenges purely materialistic or naturalistic worldviews and contributes to the philosophical discussion on the nature of reality.

Which of the following is a potential criticism of the Argument from Politics?

  1. It relies on a teleological argument, assuming that political order is evidence of a purposeful design.

  2. It ignores the role of human agency and the evolution of political systems over time.

  3. It fails to account for the diversity of political systems and ideologies across different cultures.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Critics of the Argument from Politics raise various objections, including its reliance on a teleological argument, its neglect of human agency and historical factors, and its failure to address the diversity of political systems across cultures. These criticisms challenge the validity and strength of the argument.

How does the Argument from Politics relate to the concept of \"social contract\" in political philosophy?

  1. The Argument from Politics supports the idea that political authority is based on a social contract between individuals.

  2. The Argument from Politics is a critique of the concept of \"social contract\" in political philosophy.

  3. The Argument from Politics is unrelated to the concept of \"social contract\" in political philosophy.

  4. The Argument from Politics is a precursor to the concept of \"social contract\" in political philosophy.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics focuses on the existence of political order and governance as evidence for the existence of God. It does not directly engage with the concept of \"social contract\" in political philosophy, which explores the idea that political authority is based on an agreement or consent among individuals.

Which of the following is an example of a political phenomenon that the Argument from Politics might cite as evidence for the existence of God?

  1. The existence of a system of laws and regulations.

  2. The peaceful resolution of conflicts through negotiation and compromise.

  3. The emergence of leaders who possess wisdom and integrity.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Politics draws on various political phenomena to support its case for the existence of God. These phenomena may include the existence of a system of laws and regulations, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the emergence of wise and virtuous leaders, and other aspects of political order that are seen as evidence of a higher authority or governing force.

How does the Argument from Politics contribute to the broader philosophical discussion on the nature of reality?

  1. It provides evidence for the existence of a transcendent realm beyond the physical world.

  2. It challenges the idea of a purely materialistic or naturalistic worldview.

  3. It supports the notion that human reason is the ultimate source of truth and knowledge.

  4. It has no bearing on the broader philosophical discussion on the nature of reality.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

By arguing for the existence of a higher authority or governing force behind political order, the Argument from Politics suggests the existence of a transcendent realm beyond the physical world. This line of reasoning challenges purely materialistic or naturalistic worldviews and contributes to the philosophical discussion on the nature of reality.

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