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Single Idea 22861

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power ]

Full Idea

I have defined the concept of power by saying that A exercises power over B when A affects B in a manner contrary to B's interests

Gist of Idea

Power is affecting a person in a way contrary to their interests

Source

Steven Lukes (Power: a Radical View (2nd ed) [2005], 1.6)

Book Ref

Lukes,Steven: 'Power: a radical view' [Macmillan 2005], p.37

A Reaction

I assume he is not referring to when I accidentally spill your beer. His point is, I think, that neither A nor B may be fully, or even partly, aware of what is going on. Presumably A can also exert power over B which is in B's interests. Dentists.

The 15 ideas from Steven Lukes

22850 Hidden powers are the most effective [Lukes]
22852 The pluralist view says that power is restrained by group rivalry [Lukes]
22854 Power is a capacity, which may never need to be exercised [Lukes]
22851 In the 1950s they said ideology is finished, and expertise takes over [Lukes]
22853 Anyone who thinks capitalism can improve their lives is endorsing capitalism [Lukes]
22855 One-dimensionsal power is behaviour in observable conflicts of interests [Lukes]
22856 Political organisation brings some conflicts to the fore, and suppresses others [Lukes]
22860 The evidence for the exertion of power need not involve a grievance of the powerless [Lukes]
22857 The two-dimensional view of power recognises the importance of controlling the agenda [Lukes]
22859 Power can be exercised to determine a person's desires [Lukes]
22858 There is collective action, where a trend is manifest, but is not attributable to individuals [Lukes]
22862 Liberals take people as they are, and take their preferences to be their interests [Lukes]
22861 Power is affecting a person in a way contrary to their interests [Lukes]
22863 Power is the capacity of a social class to realise its interests [Lukes]
21133 Supreme power is getting people to have thoughts and desires chosen by you [Lukes]