Rousseau, Kant, Mill, Marx Philosophy

SHORT ANSWER—Choose 3 from the following questions, your answer should be between 2-4 sentences. 15 points each. ( Total)

  • What does Mill mean by ‘the individual’ and what reason does he give for why we ought to both, seek to become an individual ourselves, and make it easier for others to do the same?
  • What is the importance, for Kant, of ‘autonomy’ in determining weather one’s will is good or evil?
  • Explain what Rousseau meant by saying that in entering a social contract we give up instinct but attain justice?
  • Why is Rousseau’s general will not the same as a majority will?
  • Smith explains why the division of labor leads to greater overall wealth of society. He also believes that the benefits will mostly go to the capitalist class while the most vulnerable members of society bear the largest cost. In what way does Smith attempt to justify this unequal relation between capital and labor?

 

Choose ONE essay 45 Points.  Answer  in 4-5 Paragraphs. When I grade your paper I will ask myself the following: Is the question directly answered? Are the arguments in support of the claim the best arguments available? Are your claims expressed in a logically & grammatically coherent manner? Do you address the most salient objections to your claim?

 

1) Some people take Rousseau’s concept of the General Will to be merely expressing the basic tenants that underlie modern democratic values; others see in the General Will the seeds of totalitarianism and the desecration of individual liberty. Which do you think is closer to the truth and why? Make sure that you try to understand and articulate the opposing point of view.

 

2) What did Kant mean when he said “Sapere Aude! ‘Have the courage to use your own reason!’—that is the motto of the enlightenment.” Why does Kant believe that this is the motto of the enlightenment—how does it relate to this concept of autonomy? And does this conflict or conform with his belief that Fredrick is the exemplar of the enlightened ruler because (according to Kant) Fredrick alone amongst Europe’s princes says:  ‘Argue as much as you like but obey!”

 

3) Rousseau’s theory of the Social Contract as well as Mill’s theory of Liberty are said to influence the current political philosophies of industrial democratic states. Reflecting on your own political beliefs and knowledge try to show what impact Rousseau’s or Mill’s belief have on current political views—including your own. You may focus on either Rousseau or Mill, or compare and contrast their views.

 

4) Mill and Rousseau have radically different views about the relation between the individual and the state. Describe these two views and then either, (a) explain how their views could differ so radically and yet be seen as part of the Enlightenment or; (b) give a reasoned defense for why one view is superior to the other.

 

5) Do you think that Adam’s Smith explanation of economic and cooperative behavior fits the model of the Enlightenment (as represented by: Kant or Mill or Rousseau)—why or why not?

 

EXTRA CREDIT: Marx’s account of alienated labor is meant to be both descriptive of economic facts (e.g that labor grows poorer the more productive it is) and a normative claim about the alienating effect of capitalism. Explain how you think Marx links these elements in order to criticize capitalism, and offer your reasoned opinion as to why, or why not, Marx’s criticism are relevant to today’s political-economic situation.

 

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