Second Semester, 2001
 

SECOND ASSIGNMENT
In lieu of examination
 

Please read the following guidelines carefully:

1.  This assignment must be delivered to the essay box outside of the School of Social Sciences Office no later than MONDAY 29 OCTOBER at 4 p.m.
2.  Answer two questions only.
3.  There is a strict word limit of 800 words for each answer (and 1,600 words in total).  You must indicate the number of words for each of your answers.
4.  Do not repeat material used in your First Assignment:  i.e. don’t answer a question which is the same as, or very similar to, the topic of your first assignment.  You can answer a question on the topic of your Tutorial Presentation.
5.  Do not repeat material used in response to one question in your answer to the other question for this assignment.
6.  Answers should be in normal essay form and should not be in note form.
7.  You should provide references for any quotations, but otherwise you do not need to provide references for particular claims or assertions.
 

Questions

1.  Should politicians always aim to bring about the ‘greatest happiness of the greatest number’?  Are there any problems with the utilitarianism approach to politics?

2.  According to Oakeshott, what is wrong with rationalism in politics?  Does rationality have a legitimate role in politics?

3.  How does Nozick justify the minimal state?  Are Nozick’s arguments convincing?

4.  How convincing is Rawls’ theory of justice?

5.  Should income and wealth be distributed according to Rawls’ ‘difference principle’?

6.  What does Okin think is wrong with Rawls’ theory of justice?  Is she right?

7.  Is the family a just institution?

8.  Is individualism a strength or weakness of liberalism?

9.  Should politics reflect the values of the community?

10.  What, according to Michael Walzer, is a just society?  Are there any problems with his approach?

11.  What is genuine freedom?

12.  What is the difference between ‘shallow’ or ‘anthropocentric’ and ‘deep’ or ‘ecocentric’ ecology?  Which approach is supported by the strongest arguments?

13.  Is Australia a just society?