Wednesday,
January 20
Introduction and Review
Johnson, ÒThe Age of DiscoveryÓ
Friday,
January 22
The Scientific Revolution
Text:
chap. 24 (pp. 592-95); Sources:
Bacon, Descarte, Newton
Bacon, Novum
Organum (Johnson)
1)
According to Bacon, what is the solution
to the so-called idols that plague
human thinking? How can humans
supersede them?
Descartes, Discourse
on Method (Johnson)
1)
What quality does Descartes believe all
humans possess and should know how to use?
2)
What is DescartesÕ method to separate
truth from falsehood?
3)
What is the most basic truth according to
Descartes?
Newton, Optics
and the Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (Johnson)
1) How
is one supposed to study the natural world?
2) What
keeps the Universe together according to Newton?
General Question: how did people learn before
these individuals? Are there other ways of acquiring knowledge?
Monday,
January 25
Absolutism
Text:
chap. 24 (pp. 582-92); Sources:
Hobbes, Bossuet
Hobbes, Leviathan
1)
What is HobbesÕ view of human beings?
2)
What does HobbesÕ mean by the Right of Nature?
3)
How does Hobbes believe humans can
co-exist within a society?
Bossuet, Politics
Drawn From the Very Words of Holy Scripture
1)
What is rule by divine right? Why is it significant?
2)
What are the powers and privileges of the
king?
3)
What is the role of the people?
General Question: What is Absolutism? What other governmental options existed
at the time?
Wednesday,
January 27
Enlightenment Approach to Political Identity
Text:
595-97; Sources: Locke
General Question: what is the Enlightenment?
Locke, Of
Civil Government
1)
What is the purpose of laws in society?
2)
What does Locke mean by property?
3)
What is liberty in society mean for Locke?
4)
What is the ultimate purpose of
government?
Friday,
January 29
Expanding Identities in the Enlightenment
General Question: What is a philosophe?
Text:
chap. 24 (pp. 597-603); Sources:
Condorcet, Smith; Anthology:
Rousseau
Condorcet, The
Progress of the Human Mind
1)
What is the general tone of CondorcetÕs
presentation?
2)
What are his hopes for mankind? How does he propose these be achieved?
3)
Is his ideal of escape relevant today?
Smith, An
Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
1)
What does Smith consider to the role of
government in economic production?
2)
What is the ideal form of trade for
Smith?
3)
What is the general tone of SmithÕs
writing?
Rousseau, Social
Contract (excerpt in Anthology)
1)
Professor Agrait believes that the
quotation ÒMan was born free, and he is everywhere in chainsÓ is one of the
dumbest things ever said. Why do
you think he might feel this way?
2)
What natural rights does Rousseau
consider to all humans to possess?
3)
What is the General Will?
4)
What is RousseauÕs ideal situation for
humanityÕs existence?