Questions about Classical republicanism
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is classical republicanism and how does it differ from modern republicanism?
Classical republicanism, also known as civic republicanism or civic humanism, is a form of republicanism developed during the Renaissance, inspired by ancient writers including Aristotle, Polybius, and Cicero. Unlike modern republicanism, which opposes monarchy in favour of popular rule, classical republicanism treated monarchy as one form of government among several, and aimed instead against any form of tyranny, whether monarchic, aristocratic, or democratic.
Who were the key thinkers behind classical republicanism?
The ancient foundations were laid by Aristotle (Politics), Polybius (Histories), and Cicero (De re publica and De Officiis). Renaissance thinkers including Niccolò Machiavelli and Leonardo Bruni revived and transformed those ideas. Later figures such as Hannah Arendt, J. G. A. Pocock, Quentin Skinner, and Philip Pettit are among the leading modern exponents.
What role did Florence play in the development of classical republicanism?
According to historian Hans Baron, classical republicanism was a product of the long conflict between Florence and Milan. Florence, governed by its commercial elites, asserted that its system was superior because it resembled those of Greece and Rome. Leonardo Bruni, drawing on Tacitus, argued that republican government produced better men, while monarchy was inimical to human virtue.
What was the Corsican Republic and why does it matter to the history of republicanism?
The Corsican Republic lasted from 1755 to 1769 and is considered the first Enlightenment republic established in Europe. It introduced universal male suffrage and is thought to be the first constitution in the world to grant women the right to vote. Pasquale Paoli, its leader, was named a direct inspiration by the Sons of Liberty, and no fewer than five American counties are named Paoli in his honour.
How did classical republicanism influence the American Revolution?
J. G. A. Pocock argued in The Machiavellian Moment (1975) that republican ideas were at least as important as liberal ones to early American political culture. Bernard Bailyn and Gordon Wood contended that the founding fathers were more influenced by republicanism than by Locke. Leopold von Ranke wrote in 1848 that American republicanism played a crucial role in the development of European liberalism.
What is Philip Pettit's theory of republican liberty?
Philip Pettit argues that republican liberty is based on "non-domination," while liberal freedom is based on "non-interference." Under non-domination, a person lacks true liberty whenever another holds the power to interfere at will, even if that power is never exercised. This challenged the earlier view, associated with Isaiah Berlin, that republicanism leaned toward positive liberty.