Unit V : Power, Authority & Legitimacy By  Dr. Farzeen Bano ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co ncept of Power Meaning of Power  Power is the ability of an individual, group, or institution to influence or control the actions, behavior, and decisions of others. It involves the capacity to achieve desired outcomes, whether through persuasion, coercion, or other means. Power is central to politics, governance, and social relationships.   Definitions of Power   1 . Max Weber, "Power is the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out their own will despite resistance."   2. Robert A. Dahl , "Power is the ability of A to get B to do something that B would not otherwise do."   3. Bertrand Russell , Power is the production of intended effects."   4 . Michel Foucault , "Power is not just hierarchical but exists in everyday relationships and soc...

  Unit IX : Marxism: Karl Marx By Dr. Farzeen Bano ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Karl Marx’s Political Theories Karl Marx (1818–1883), a German philosopher, economist, sociologist, and revolutionary socialist, is one of the most influential figures in the history of political thought. Marx's theories, particularly regarding the nature of society, politics, economics, and history, laid the foundation for the modern socialist and communist movements. His writings have profoundly impacted political ideologies, most notably Marxism, which has been a guiding philosophy for many socialist and communist movements globally. Marx’s political theory primarily revolves around the concepts of class struggle, historical materialism, the critique of capitalism, and the role of the state in class society. He advocated for revolutionary change, leading to the establishment of a classless society where the state and private property would be abolished. Ma...

Unit VI : Liberty, Equality, Justice, Law By Dr. Farzeen Bano ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liberty: Meaning, Definition, Characteristics, Types, Theories, and Criticism   Meaning of Liberty  - Liberty  refers to the condition of being free from external constraints and the ability to act according to one’s own will, within the boundaries of law and morality.   - It is a fundamental principle of democratic societies, emphasizing individual autonomy and human dignity.   Definitions of Liberty  1. Thomas Hobbes:      - "Liberty is the absence of external impediments to motion."      - Hobbes linked liberty to freedom from physical restraints.   2. John Locke:      - "Liberty is to be free from restraint and violence from others."      - Locke emphasized liberty in the context of natural rights.   3. Joh...