Extended Essays 2021

The right of insurrection within the democratic society is maintained upon philosophical

analysis, Locke’s permissibility holding greater favour than Hobbes’s. Though

seemingly adhering to this right, the Capitol Riot of the ‘Boogaloo Boys,’ is unable to

provide an objection that fulfils Locke’s allowance for rebellion adequately. Rather, I

conclude that some rebellions are equally illegitimate and unjust under Locke’s gaze

like that of Hobbes. Though, when the necessary conditions are not fulfilled, it is

morally permissible to dissent within a democracy as the state is illegitimate. This is

increasingly relevant to nations that have experienced the perversions of polity to

democracy, or monarchy to tyranny. Through his Republic (c. 375 BC), Plato presents

the a priori conclusion that the Philosopher King is the only person with adequate

knowledge of the forms. They are qualified to enlighten and lead the state, regardless

of any perceived discomfort of the society as it cannot identify what justice is. The

most effective deterrent of the monarchy is presented by politician Lord Acton

whereby, "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” 19 As

outlined by Aristotle through his perversions of government 20 , to enable society to

rebel against a corrupt government is to maintain the common interest.

Finally, through examining the political theories of Hobbes and Locke, it is determined

that society must be permitted to rebel against a functioning democracy. Otherwise,

the government cannot be held accountable for not fulfilling its function. However, this

does not mean that insurrection is logical in all circumstances. Rather, these rebellions

may be equally illegitimate contingent on the objectives of the movement. Instead, one

19 “Definition of Power Tends to Corrupt Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely | Dictionary.com.” Www.dictionary.com , 2019, www.dictionary.com/browse/power-tends-to-corrupt-absolute-power-corrupts- absolutely. 20 https://www.facebook.com/FarnamStreet. “Tyranny, Democracy, and the Polity: Aristotle’s Politics.” Farnam Street , 21 Feb. 2017, fs.blog/2017/02/aristotles-politics/.

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