Igualdade e seus problemas | Introdução Geral à Filosofia | Prof. Vitor Lima | Aula 47

What is the concept of equality? What is the importance of the word equality? How can we seek equality? Athenian democracy and the Roman oligarchies founded the idea and practice of political power in Western culture. When Greece fell under the rule of Alexander of Macedon's empire and Rome succumbed to the rule of the Caesars, historians spoke of the decline of politics. The disappearance of the polis and the res publica meant, in a certain sense, the return to despotic power. Although they invented the notion of political power, they did not invent the customs, in all their fullness, as we practice them today. After all, both were largely non-egalitarian societies. Economically, they were agrarian and slave-owning. Furthermore, basic rights were not granted to women and foreigners. To top it all off, wealth was a prerequisite for many positions. There had to be a broad – and not always peaceful – discussion for us to reach today's social levels. To get an idea of ​​the philosophical complexity of the subject, let's just look at a discussion around one of the most fundamental values ​​of today's society: equality. Equality is presented as the objective of politics today – one of the ideals that cannot be justified – because they are obvious – and that, instead, serve as a foundation for all others. Those who defend this value are known as egalitarians. The cultural roots of this ideal can sometimes be traced back to both Religion and Philosophy. The dogma that we are all equal in the eyes of God is the basis of the Christian faith. The Kantian thesis of rationality and intrinsic dignity, shared equally among people, is another egalitarian pillar. The utilitarian idea that treating people equally is the best way to find happiness is another pillar. In political discussions, egalitarians argue that it is the role of the Government to implement measures to combat inequality and promote equality among people. But, after all, what is equality? ► Summary Introduction (00:00) 1. Political power (3:36) 1.1 Historical factors (4:35) 1.2 Elements of political power (15:00) 1.2.1 Public/Private (15:06) 1.2.2 Civil power/Military power (17:20) 1.2.3 Secular authority/Religious authority (18:52) 1.2.4 Impersonal law/Will of the ruler (20:25) 1.2.5 Public legal and fiscal institutions (22:26) 1.2.6 Public space (23:05) 1.2.7 Disclaimer about anachronism (28:38) 2. Equality (31:17) 2.1 Equal distribution of money (36:50) 2.1.1 Criticism: impractical measure and with a short life (38:25) 2.1.2 Criticism: different people deserve different amounts (41:19) 2.1.3 Criticism: different people have different needs (43:24) 2.1.4 Criticism: injustice and redistribution (44:42) Summary (47:09) ► Complete Course Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/e4b5uktc ► Important Links: • Join the INÉF Club: hhttps://www.istonaoefilosofia.com/clu... • Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/inefinstagram • Telegram: https://tinyurl.com/ineftelegram ► Bibliography used: CHAUI, Marilena. Invitation to Philosophy. 12th ed. 5th imp. São Paulo: Editora Ática, 2002. WARBURTON, Nigel. Philosophy: The Basics. 3rd ed. First Published 1992. London: Routledge, 1999.