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3 Random Tidbits

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Political Theory
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Political Theory.

3 random tidbits in about 5 minutes.

1.

A Political Theory FAQ.

Subject: TST Ethics.

Is the Me Too movement consistent with TST Ethics?.

Yes. The Me Too movement emphasizes that impact matters, results matter. And, awareness increases responsibility.

At its core.

In many respects, yes. TST Ethics emphasizes that outcomes matter. If actions cause harm, especially once that harm is understood, moral obligation increases. Saying “I meant well” is insufficient if the impact produces injury. Virtue requires adjusting behavior in light of lived consequences.

Now, the details…

In many respects, yes — because it highlights a central moral truth: impact matters.

For decades, certain behaviors were normalized. Many were defended on the grounds of intent — “I was joking,” “I meant it as a compliment.” But when people began listening to the lived experience of those harmed, awareness increased. And with awareness came obligation.

TST Ethics holds that once harm is understood, adjustment is required. You cannot hide behind intent if your actions consistently degrade others. Flourishing is relational. If your words produce unnecessary harm, virtue demands restraint.

This does not mean every accusation is automatically true or that due process disappears. It means moral evaluation includes listening to outcomes and refining behavior accordingly.

 

 


That Political Theory FAQ, 

was first published on TST 2 months ago.

The flashcard inspired by it is this.

Front: Does intent alone justify an action?
Back: No (intent must be evaluated by results).

 

2.

A Political Theory Quote.

From History:
Subject: Authority.

Power is the ability to carry out one’s will despite resistance..

  • Max Weber.
  • 1922, posthumously, edited by Marianne Weber.
Power compels by force and coercian; legitimate authority has no need for either.

That takeaway is this.

By distinguishing power from authority, Weber showed that modern systems govern through legitimacy rather than force. When legitimacy is no longer anchored to truth and accountability, authority does not disappear: it hardens into authoritarianism.

Now, the details…

That shortened definition comes from Max Weber. A more accurate translation from the original German is:

“Power is the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance.”

Weber distinguished power from authority. Power is the ability to impose one’s will; authority is power that is perceived as legitimate and therefore obeyed without constant force. This distinction explains why modern institutions rely less on coercion and more on rules, offices, and procedures—and why obedience can feel responsible even when judgment is no longer engaged.

 


That Political Theory Quote, 

was first published on TST 3 months ago.

The flashcard inspired by it is this.

Front: What is authoritarianism?
Back: Coercive power (imposed power).

 

3.

A Political Theory Story.

From History:
Subject: U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights.

3 Dec 1791
The Bill of Rights protects personal liberty by limiting government power.

Briefly.

The first ten amendments are not extra decorations on the Constitution. They are guardrails. They protect speech, belief, privacy, fairness, and due process while reminding the government that power has limits. In a free society, rights are not gifts from the state; they are protections against it.

Now, the details…

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were added to protect individuals and states from an overly powerful federal government. They safeguard core freedoms like speech, religion, press, assembly, due process, fair trials, protection from unreasonable searches, and limits on cruel punishment. In short, they define a protected zone around the individual.

It was written two years after the signing of the Constitution and ratified by three-fourths of the states in 1791. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Georgia refused. In 1939, the three decliners symbolically sent their approvals to Congress.

Amendments:

And now, here are the first 10 amendments.

1: Freedom of speech, press, of and from religion, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
2: Right to bear arms. 
3: Protection against housing soldiers in civilian homes. 
4: Protection against unreasonable search and seizure, and the issuing of warrants without probable cause.
5: Protection against trial without indictment, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and property seizure.
6: Right to a speedy trial, to be informed of charges, confronted by witnesses, witnesses, and legal counsel.
7: Right to trial by jury. 
8: Protection against excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
9: Rights granted in the Constitution shall not infringe on other rights.
10: Powers not granted to the Federal Government in the Constitution belong to the states or the people.

 


That Political Theory Story, 

was first published on TST 5 years ago.

The flashcard inspired by it is this.

 

The end. Refresh for another set.

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