Assignment Task

Assignment 1 Structured written analysis Task

Students are expected to answer one of the following questions in the form of a short essay:

1. The state of nature is a theoretical scenario used by political philosophers to speculate on human nature as it would purportedly appear without the effect of society. Does this scenario have merit as a means of exploring humanity, society, and the nature of power and justice, despite none of us today being born into a state of nature? Develop your answer using the thinkers we have investigated in weeks 2-4 of the unit.

2. The Social Contract as viewed by Hobbes and Rousseau has been viewed by some as a guarantee of security under an absolute authority or as an opportunity for the coming together of individuals for the sake of engaging the general-will. In your view, which of these two views is the more plausible outcome of the Social Contract, and why?

3. What are the principle differences between the nature and function of society as conceived by Classical thinkers (e.g. Plato and Aristotle), and later thinkers such as Hobbes and Rousseau? In your view, which group has the most accurate view of society, and why?

The early test will ensure that you have developed an understanding major issues and debates, especially those occurring in the foundational texts covered the first three weeks of the unit. It provides you with an early indication of how well you are comprehending the unit material. You are expected to write a short essay using only the thinkers and texts we have studied thus far.

Purpose:

To test understanding of the unit material for the first few weeks.

Assignment 2 Oral Presentation and Short Written Analysis