What is Classical Republicanism?

Classical Republicanism

• The Common good means that citizens must have common characteristics, values and ideas.

• Education• Homogeneity

– Religion– Race– Socioeconomic position

• Commitment to Civic Virtue

Characteristics Citizens in a

Classical Republic Should Possess

A. Civic Virtue• Participation• Common good.• Limits placed on

individual rights.

B. Moral Education• Civic Virtue does not become

automatically.• Habits developed through training

–Courage,–Self Control–Fairness

B. Moral Education–Habits Developed through

experience• Political Debate• Military Service

C. Small Uniform Communities

• People know and care for each other. (common good)

• Homogeneous• Factions occur when interest

are divided.

Conflicts in Republicanism

• What happens when the majority or a powerful group within a community have self-interest conflict? What is the common good?– Restaurant owners vs Smokers– Industrial Owners vs Clean Air Advocates– War Advocates vs. Peace Hawks.