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.
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.
The communal benefit enabling societal survival in the face of inevitable stresses—environmental disasters of various sorts, social conflicts, wars, and economic problems.
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.
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.
