Arizona Christian University Introduction to Political Science Discussion

POSC 7: Introduction to Political Theory
Second Essay Assignment
Instructions:
1. MLA Format
2. 1600 words
Essay Prompt:
What distinguishes the political thought of modern thinkers like Machiavelli, Hobbes and
Locke from that of ancients such as Plato and Aristotle? Choose two out of these three
modern thinkers and contrast their political thinking to that of the ancient thinkers such as
Plato and Aristotle (in other words, contrast the ancient thinkers to either Machiavelli and
Hobbes, or Hobbes and Locke, or Machiavelli and Locke—the choice is yours). In
answering this question, make sure you address how the modern thinkers thought of the
central task or purpose of politics, and how their view of politics stood in contrast to the
ancient view.
Some secondary questions and pre-writing ideas to focus on in your paper:
● You do not need to spend any time treating the ideas of Plato or Aristotle at length,
simply address what aspects of the modern thinkers’ views stand in contrast to Plato and
Aristotle’s views, and, in each case, how.
● Make sure you include each modern thinker’s views on human nature, and on the
relationship of politics to morality or virtue.
● Your answer should also highlight some of the differences among the modern thinkers’
views, even while demonstrating their similarities in contrast to the ancients. That is, you
should also be careful not to mistakenly argue that all the modern thinkers have an
identical view of politics. Rather, make sure to point out important differences between
them, and say why their views can be seen as “modern” despite these differences.
● Some examples: for instance, you may want to distinguish between Machiavelli’s
understanding of politics, and that of Hobbes or Locke. In some ways, all their
understandings of politics are “modern,” but in what way do their views on politics differ
crucially from one another?
● Relatedly, how do the modern thinkers understand human nature in contrast to the
ancients? (Hint: Locke is the odd one out here).
● And, all the modern thinkers obviously have very different prescriptions for the best form
of government: what accounts for these differences? (Hint: Machiavelli’s idea of
“statecraft” vs. the two different versions of the “social contract” we see in Locke and in
Hobbes).