Law and Liberty in Early Modern Political Thought: A Comparative Analysis of Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Montesquieu Introduction The early modern period witnessed the philosophical reconstitution of political authority and law as thinkers sought to reconcile the individual’s moral autonomy with the necessity of social order. Within this intellectual milieu, the problem of law and … Continue reading Discuss how Locke’s understanding of law as an instrument of freedom contrasts with the Hobbesian conception of law as a restraint on human liberty. Compare Locke’s conception of law and liberty with that of Rousseau and Montesquieu—how do these thinkers differ in defining the moral and political limits of law?
Tag: comparative political theory.
How do Kautilya and Machiavelli differ and converge in their respective conceptions of statecraft within their civilisational and historical contexts?
Kautilya and Niccolò Machiavelli, though separated by time, geography, and civilisational milieu, are often regarded as archetypal figures of realist political thought within their respective traditions—Kautilya within ancient Indian political philosophy and Machiavelli within Renaissance European political theory. Both Arthashastra and The Prince articulate pragmatic and strategic doctrines of governance, emphasizing the preservation of political … Continue reading How do Kautilya and Machiavelli differ and converge in their respective conceptions of statecraft within their civilisational and historical contexts?