Questions for final

 So, here we are at the end of the semester. I hope everyone enjoyed the class (especially under these very trying circumstances). We have now gone over many of the most important political philosophers of the last few centuries. Even though many of these thinkers lived during different periods of time, there are similarities in their questions and concerns about politics, notwithstanding very different proposed "solutions" for the problems they see. Besides different theories of the state and the purpose of the state and different view on democracy, most if not all of these thinkers are concerned with human nature (or whether there is a human nature) and I hope this gives some insight into these very important philosophical questions. Questions that frankly people are still wrestling with today.

I will post the questions for the final below. The exam will not be until 12/18 so you will have two weeks to prepare a response. I said this during the midterm but I must emphasize even more that the responses should be in your own original words, and not copied from websites or other sources (see the syllabus section on plagiarism). If you do use quotes the quotes need to be properly cited (that is put in " ") and they should only be from the readings from the syllabus, no outside sources. A typical response is about 1-3 paragraphs long.

1. How does Hegel combine the philosophies of Locke and Rousseau in his own political philosophy?

2. What does Marx mean by "class struggle"?

3. What does Nietzsche mean when he says "God is dead"?

4. Why does Weber regard politics as a vocation?

Any questions, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope everyone has a great holiday, and stay safe!

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