Schema for Political Modes
Remember: Politics is about...
obtaining access to the wealth and power of a society, and managing these authoritatively via governing institutions for the good of the people, both individually and as a society. Review.
To analyse «political modes», we must identify those phenomena crucial to the government of any society and which engage directly with the core of politics: «managing the power and wealth of a society».
I have identified three broad categories that seem to apply:
- Essentials relating to commonality or social cohesion: Items 1-3.
- Essentials relating to individuality i.e. the value of diverse views, interests and activities within society: Items 4-6.
- Essentials required for existence i.e. personal-ethical components: Items 7-8.
Commonality Fundamentals
Socio-political Institution
A characteristic institution that ensures the integration and the distinctive benefits of each political mode. This is the essence of the mode and its biggest challenge.
Integrating Force
The communal benefit enabling societal survival in the face of inevitable stresses—environmental disasters of various sorts, social conflicts, wars, and economic problems.
Governance Requirement
The means by which each political mode enables power to be exerted legitimately in society.
Individuality Fundamentals
Personal Benefit
Each political mode must offer some form of benefit to members of society individually for it to emerge and be welcomed, or at least accepted.
Social Interactions
Each political mode must provide guidance in regard to the way that diverse people and diverse groups interact. It must also deal with possibilities of conflict, not least with the powerful state (i.e. governmental) apparatus.
Provision of Knowledge
Communication is the means for creating and sustaining or changing psychosocial reality. Knowledge is desired by free individuals committing to action. So the political mode must specify how relevant information and knowledge is handled in society.
Personal-Ethical Requirements
All members of a society (and indeed any group) must adapt to their social environment and work at participating effectively in its politics. This entails being oriented in a way deemed «good and right», which differs according to the particular mode.
Core Value
To sustain and get benefit from each political mode, members in general should recognize and uphold a distinctive value.
Civic Virtue
To sustain and get benefit from each political mode, members in general should manifest a distinctive virtue related to civic duties.
Originally posted: July 2009; Last updated: 27 Jan 2010