Date of Award

Spring 4-19-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Fred Baumann

Second Advisor

Tim Spiekerman

Abstract

Politics has forever been at the very heart of human life, and humans have forever been at the heart of politics. Until the day comes, if indeed it comes, when artificial intelligence and computers govern us, we are compelled to govern ourselves and each other. For however long we seek society, we need some among us who are willing to undertake the tasks of government and to lead. This desire—to rule, to govern, to lead—is ambition. Thus, in the study of politics and political philosophy, when one asks the question, "Who is to rule?" one must also remember to consider "How is this ruler to acquire this power and hold it?" Especially if we are to live in a society in which we choose our leaders and in which we have ourselves the opportunity to seek political office, we must consider what ambition is and in what ways it may be turned to the help of our political community. Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes point to similar and dissimilar perspectives on these questions of ambition.

Rights Statement

All rights reserved. This copy is provided to the Kenyon Community solely for individual academic use. For any other use, please contact the copyright holder for permission.

Additional Files
Thesis Final (Two Page).pdf (378 kB)
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