Intellectual Heritage B (Spring 2008) - Paper #1

Write a paper on one of the topics below.

Topic #1

Evaluate Locke's third or fourth argument for private property rights. Consult the handout for the suggested details of the arguments. In order to evaluate an argument, you must first explain the argument. You must do more than merely copy the premises and conclusion from the handout. Explain what Locke is trying to prove. What is private property? Explain his argument. Provide textual evidence that he makes the argument. Then evaluate the argument. You can do this by asking questions such as: Could it be used to justify our right to own luxury goods or land? Could it be used to justify the right to inherit land from one's parents? Are all the premises true?

Topic #2

In "Federalist #10" Madison argues that republics are better than democracies at limiting the "violence of factions." Evaluate his argument. You will need to explain what factions are and the kinds of harm they can cause. Then you will need to explain the advantage that republics have over democracies. To do this, you will have to say what the difference is between a republic and a democracy. Then you should explain Madison's argument. Provide textual evidence that he makes the argument. Then evaluate the argument. Does he supply any compelling reasons to think that republics are superior? Why or why not.

Due Date

2/21

Length

The paper should be no more than 1,000 words. This is approximately 3 pages double-spaced with Arial 12 point font.

Format

The paper must be typed. It should be double spaced. It should have one inch margins. You should use a 12 point font. I prefer Arial, since it is easy to read. Please follow the general paper and exam instructions under the "course documents / writing" section on Blackboard.

Procedure

You are required to hand in a paper copy at the start of class on the due date. In addition you must submit the paper through TurnItIn via Blackboard by 11:59 pm on the due date. TurnItIn is a plagiarism detection tool. It will compare your paper against others available online, in journals, submitted in this class, Temple, and from all other universities that use the software.

Note: Plagiarism will result in a failing grade in the class, not just on this assignment.