Philosophy
020E(040) – Assignment 4
Due:
Tuesday 4 April 2006, 10:30 a.m.
Select one
pair from the following list:
1) Locke’s
liberal democracy and Dewey’s social democracy;
2) power and
equality in Hobbes and Marx;
3) the state of
nature in Hobbes and Locke;
4)
Marx and Dewey on the “submerged mass” (i.e., the lower classes) of
humankind.
In an
essay that combines approximately 2/3 exposition and 1/3 evaluation (give or
take), compare and contrast the members of the pair that you’ve selected, and
subject them to a close philosophical analysis.
Your evaluative section might argue in favour of one of the
philosophers’ approaches and against the other’s, or it might challenge both
positions, or seek to carve out a middle ground between the two positions.
(It might even do some other kind of evaluative thing, provided that this
“other kind of evaluative thing” is focused and well-considered.)
The main thing is to demonstrate (1) your understanding of relevant
portions of the relevant primary texts, (2) your ability to analyse
philosophical argumentation, and (3) your ability to construct an argument.
All of the usual rules apply. Submit as an rtf document to www.turnitin.com by 10:30 on the due date. Failure to format your essay in accordance with a standard academic style will result in a 5% penalty. The paper should be 4-6 double-spaced pages, in a standard 12 point font. I will happily comment on any drafts emailed to me at least 48 hours before the paper is due. After that, I will email you back with a politely-worded form letter declining to lend assistance. You know the drill…