Social and Political Philosophy

Assignment for second class (January 18)

Readings:

Arnhart, Chapters 4 and 7

Selections from Thomas Aquinas and Thomas Hobbes in Princeton Readings in Political Thought, pp.144-152 and pp.205-242

Write: 3-5 pages (total) answering the following questions:

1. Briefly, how does Thomas Aquinas’ conception of natural law differ from Thomas Hobbes’?

2. Hobbes seems to think that government (the sovereign) should have, as nearly as possible, absolute power over its subjects. Subjects have no right to disobey, to rebel, to appeal to a 'higher law', or to substitute another government for the one they have. By what reasoning does he try to persuade us of this? Try to construct a concise and coherent account of his argument. In constructing Hobbes' argument you will need to include his characterization of the 'state of nature', of the 'laws of nature', and of the nature of the 'covenant' by which men leave the state of nature and form a 'commonwealth'.

3. What do you think of Hobbes’ view? (You might consider it in this light: In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, our government has implemented a number of policies augmenting the power of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Some people worry that these policies are eroding essential civil liberties. Others believe they are necessary to preserve our safety and security. Is there any limit to what you would want government to do in order to protect us from terrorism?)