POLS 1002 University of Connecticut Introduction to Political Theory Essay – Description
After reading Leviathan and The Social Contract and engaging in the course discussion for each text, write a three page essay (double spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins) that compares and contrasts each text’s account of political legitimacy. Be sure to address the following questions:
For Leviathan:
What is human existence like in the “state of nature”/state of war? Why are people like this?
Why do people decide to leave the state of nature?
How do people leave the state of nature?
What is the purpose of government?
What is the relationship between Leviathan and its subjects?
Why must subjects obey Leviathan?
Are there any conditions under which subjects may legitimately resist Leviathan?
What is the theory of political legitimacy that Hobbes proposes in Leviathan?
For The Social Contract:
What is human existence like in the “state of nature”? Why are people like this?
Why do people decide to leave the state of nature?
How do people leave the state of nature? How do people “consent” to be governed?
What is the purpose of government?
Under which conditions should subjects obey government?
What does it mean for government to “force us to be free”?
What is the theory of political legitimacy that Rousseau proposes in The Social Contract?
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