PHIL 332

End of Class Questions

March 31, 2006: Explain why Hobbes’s description of the state of nature makes it a collective action problem.

April 5, 2006: Does Hobbes believe that there are any inalienable rights? Explain by saying what they are and why they are inalienable on Hobbes’s account. (Make sure you explain what inalienable means.

April 12, 2006: According to Spinoza, is the Golden Rule binding in the State of Nature? Explain with cites.

April 19, 2006: "This is to think, that men are so foolish, that they take care to avoid what mischiefs may be done them by pole cats, or foxes; but are content, nay think it safety, to be devoured by lions."

This quotation summarizes Locke's response to Hobbes on a central question of Hobbes's political philosophy.

(a) What is the central question of Hobbes's political philosophy that Locke is addressing?

(b) What is Hobbes's answer to that question?

(c) Explain how this quotation captures Locke's response to Hobbes on that question.

April 26, 2006: Explain what Rousseau means when he says: "When the opinion contrary to mine prevails, that only proves that I was mistaken, and that what I had considered to be the general will was not. If my private opinion had prevailed, I would have done something other than I had wanted to do, and then I would not have been free."(466) Cite to the text.

May 10, 2006: In what ways does Kant’s social contract theory resemble Rousseau’s? In what ways is it different?

May 19, 2006: What are the most important similarities and differences between Tocqueville and Burke? Cite to the text.

June 2, 2006: Who was your favorite author in the course? Explain.