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Pol 030 Thinking
Pol 030 Thinking
Pol 030 Thinking
Tinder seeks identify questions that are asked in political theory and various answers that have
been proposed for each. He is self-consciously reticent about providing answers himself, which
serves well for students’ first exposure to the questions. The fundamental building blocks with
which he begins his introduction suggest the book’s appropriateness for a course linking political
theory to the Christian liberal arts. He writes: “Most political ideas, perhaps all of them, are
based on some particular conception of human nature.” Tinder suggest that the “extent and
origins of evil in human beings” and whether or not human beings are “totally extinguished by
death” (i.e. can have eternal life) are fundamental to the ethical concerns of politics. (4) He also
presents a helpful introduction to some basic epistemological tools, while acknowledging their
limits. (6, 15-17) Tinder’s framing of political theory in terms of human nature, evil, eternal life,
and the limits of knowledge facilitates introducing students to the relevance of Christian
worldview thinking. These areas provide clear bridges for students to see the direct relevance of
faith for far-reaching questions like those addressed in Tinder’s book.
The themes of metaphysical truth and ethical judgment are central throughout the book.
Epistemological concerns arise from time to time, but are less central. Below I have listed the
questions discussed in each of the chapters, along with cursory suggestions regarding how the
content of the chapter interfaces with philosophical categories (M=metaphysics, E=ethics,
K=epistemology). Ethics clearly dominates, but epistemology and especially metaphysics remain
relevant.
1
Who should rule? (E)
If the people rule, should they do so themselves or through representatives? (E)
Is it good to have power? (E)
Why obey? (E)