Political Science 414-Contemporary Political Theory
Midterm
This is a take-home exam. I ask that you double-space the essay, use standard margins, add page numbers, and not exceed ten (10) pages.
Please answer the following question.
Mill writes: “of all the things that man is able to perfect, surely his own nature is most important”(87).
To this, Nietzsche responds: “We are unknown to ourselves, we men of knowledge–and with good reason. We have never sought ourselves–how could it happen that we should ever find ourselves?” (15).
First, compare and contrast Mill’s and Nietzsche’s interpretation of human agency (i.e., how do each of them interpret what it means to be a human being). In doing so, you may want to explain how each thinker understands Truth, Freedom of Thought and Expression, and the significance of Individuality.
Second, explain how their interpretation of human agency informs their conception and purpose of politics.
