PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Marx, Gramsci & Arendt
Hannah Arendt analysed a few categories of vita activa. Explain.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
R1 vita activa = three human activities (labour / work / action) > ranked in ascending order of importance R2 Arendt reframes the human condition ~ activity over contemplation ~ three modes ranked by degree of freedom
Body flow
labour / animal laborans ~ biological necessity, repetitive, near animal & slave, no freedom ~ work / homo faber ~ fabrication of an artificial, durable common world that divides & unites, partial freedom — action / zoon politikon → speech & deed among equals in the public realm, discloses identity, freedom as natality, plurality (equal yet distinct), highest realisation
Counter-view
rival claimants for the highest activity + Plato's contemplation vs Marx's labour — Arendt crowns action as the differentia specifica
Conclusion routes
R1 action = differentia specifica + separates humans from animals and gods routes ‘ ‘ ° ens: r2_ the ascent culminates in action ~ only here are freedom and politics fully realised
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
