State of nature

  • Discuss Locke’s characterization of a state of nature. Contrast is with the description of a state of nature by Hobbes. Finally, think of a time of anarchy in the modern world. Given the characterization of life in that time and place, who has the stronger or more accurate view of the state of nature? Use specific and documented examples.
    Review the course schedule and Module for a complete reading list. Please carefully review the documents called “Essay Requirements” and “Essay Criteria”, which are listed below, and available from the “Assignments” tab.

  • Your paper should include:
    1. A short introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis statement (e.g., I shall argue that Plato’s argument is … because …). Your thesis should almost always be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
    2. A short, reconstruction of the argument as presented by the philosopher whose position you rely on (you may, but need not, use standard premise / conclusion form).
    3. An brief explanation, in your own words, of the position that you’re describing (such as the Categorical Imperative, Justice as Fairness, etc.)
    4. An original argument, in which you make the case that answers the question, based on the philosophical position under investigation.
    5. A suitable concluding paragraph.
    6. Make reference to, and discuss meaningfully, at least two of the philosophers that we’ve read so far in the course.
    7. At least two sources, and at least as many non-internet sources as internet sources (Read that sentence again to be sure you understand it).
    8. No direct quotations. It is never necessary to directly quote any author. When it is important to rely on someone else’s ideas, simply explain the position which he/she is defending. It is, however, necessary to cite all authors whose ideas you reference. Thus, if you begin a sentence with, e.g., “According to Plato…”, you should end that sentence with a citation.  Essays that include “direct quotations” will not receive a grade higher than a D. (Read that sentence again, too, to be sure you understand it).
    9. A clear and complete bibliography


  •

    Your paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
    1. Papers must demonstrate an understanding of the arguments being discussed.
    2. Papers must demonstrate a mastery of the relevant concepts regarding the philosophical problem.
    3. Don’t worry about getting the ‘right’ answer. Rather, concentrate on the quality of reasoning used in your evaluation.
    4. Your grade will reflect the degree to which these rules and general requirements have been observed.
    5. Papers with frequent grammatical or spelling errors, or which otherwise do not reflect good quality academic writing, will be returned with no grade. If you don’t know the difference between `their’ and `there’, or the correct use of the semicolon, make an appointment with the writing center before you submit your paper.
    6. It is a violation of Academic Integrity Policy to submit assignments, or parts of assignments, for two separate courses without permission from both instructors. I do not give permission. Thus, all parts of this assignment must be uniquely written for this course, and not submitted for any purpose to any other course.
    All papers should be double spaced, between 500-600 words, and submitted as a doc or docx file. Include a bibliography or references section. Format citations according to APA or MLA citation style.