Introduction to Political Theory-POLS Y105

Paper Topic – Due March 2

5 page double spaced

 

A. Paper topic: How does Socrates’ discussion of justice in the Republic help us to understand the problem of justice in the United States today?

 

The paper must address the following issues:

 

  1. Provide evidence showing that Socrates believes that justice is important to the city. Be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the text by citing relevant passages.

 

  1. What does Socrates thinks a just city would require? Be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the text by citing relevant passages.

 

  1. How does Socrates’ account of justice help us to understand and speak about justice and injustice in the United States today? You may speak about justice in the United States by referring to particular issues of your choosing such as poverty and wealth, family, war and peace, abortion, death penalty, race, etc. For example, you might discuss a Socratic approach to the war on terrorism.

 

OR

B. Paper topic: How does Aristotle’s idea of democracy help us to understand the promise and problem of democracy in the United States today?

The paper must address the following issues:

1.  Discuss why Aristotle believes democracy is the best possible regime. Be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the text by citing relevant passages.

       2.   What are the advantages and dangers of democracy for Aristotle? Be sure to 

     demonstrate your knowledge of the text by citing relevant passages.

 

  1. How does Aristotle’s idea of democracy help us to understand the promise and problem 

of democracy in the United States today? You may speak about democracy in the United States by referring to particular issues of your choosing such as poverty and wealth, family, war and peace, abortion, death penalty, race, etc.

 

Papers must be submitted electronically through email and a hard copy turned in for those attending the classroom lectures. Papers are entered in a data bank that cross checks all the papers submitted in order to determine any cases of plagiarism. Use of the internet is permitted, but be aware that copying anything from the internet will be treated the same as if you have copied from another student’s paper, essay, journal article, book or any other source. Copying even a phrase or sentence constitutes plagiarism and will be treated as such.