© Copyright 2011 on all textual material held by Edward J. Harpham.
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Government 4396 Second Exam
Write an essay on the following topic by drawing upon classroom discussion and the readings from Hume, and Pinker. You may, of course, refer to ideas considered in the first half of the course. The focus, however, should be on the work of Hume and Pinker. Your answer should be typed, be doubled-spaced and be between 8 and 10 pages in length. You must support your arguments with appropriate textual citations. You should not have to use secondary materials when writing the essay. You will be graded on your mastery of the ideas and your ability to write an integrative essay that ties together the ideas raised in the prompt. We will discuss the essay in class on Wednesday April 29. Other than during that class period, students may not discuss their essays with one another. Papers are due at the beginning of class on Monday May 4. The Prompt: In the first part of your paper explain how the theory of the individual developed by Hume in A Treatise of Human Nature moves beyond the theory of the individual developed by Locke. Focus particular attention upon the following issues: The role played by reason in defining the individual The role played by passions and emotions in defining the individual The problem of the self The origins of morality in human nature The social nature of humanity In the second part of your paper, explain how the ideas of Steven Pinker support and/or undercut the theory of the individual developed by Hume. |
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