Term Paper

Instructions: Students should choose one of the topics below—either the one on Hobbes with all of its sub-items (1, 2, 3 and 4) or the one on Singer with all of its sub-items (1, 2, 3 and 4). The relevant questions need to be answered in an essay format (introduction, exposition, conclusion). Standard formatting rules apply: type-written, 12 pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced. The papers should be anywhere between 800 and 1000 words or roughly three pages in the appropriate format. The papers need to be submitted in class and over email. Proper citation is mandatory. Students are free to choose between MLA or APA style. Please, note that I will not be reading and commenting on paper drafts but I will gladly answer questions about the paper over email before the due date.

Deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 (Please, email your papers to me and bring a paper copy to class.)

Topics:

I. Thomas Hobbes, The Leviathan

1. Describe Hobbes’ psychological portrait of human beings.
2. What is Hobbes’ understanding of the natural condition of humans (The State of Nature)?
3. What kind of government does Hobbes think is best and why?
4. Do you agree with Hobbes’ generalizations about humans, their natural condition, and the ideal government?

II. Peter Singer, The Singer Solution to World Poverty

1. What are the two cases Singer gives as examples of the dynamics of giving and non-giving?
2. What are Singer’s arguments in favor of the altruistic position?
3. What are the objections to Singer’s view and how does he argue against them?
4. Do you agree with Singer’s proposals? Explain.