One key difference between ancient and modern political philosophy relates to their respective views of (a) human equality, and (b) the proper structure of the state. To put it bluntly, what you think about human nature, and whether you believe human beings to be fundamentally equal, will have a large effect on what kind of structure you think is best for the state (government). Write an essay in which you compare one ancient philosopher (Plato, Aristotle) to one modern philosopher (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) on the topic of human equality and the proper structure of the state (or, “regime types”). Which view of these topics do you think is the best, the ancient or the modern?
1st: You should have an introductory paragraph that introduces the topic, and ends with a thesis statement. Your introduction should summarize the ancient and modern positions on human equality and the structure of the state, and your thesis statement should tell me which view you agree with, and some idea why you agree with it (which will be further explained in the body of the essay).
2nd, you need to explain the ancient view of human nature, demonstrating either Aristotle’s or Plato’s response to the question of whether or not human beings are naturally equal.
3rd, you need to explain the ancient view of the state; what form of government do Aristotle or Plato argue for, and how does it relate to their views on human nature/equality?
4th, you need to repeat steps Two and Three for whichever modern theorist you have chosen.
5th: you need to provide some analysis of these competing positions which explains why one is preferable to the other. 6th:it would be nice if you had a concluding paragraph. Keep in mind, the conclusion should not introduce any new information, and should more or less mirror your introduction by summarizing the arguments that have been made, and reiterating the thesis (e.g., “I have argued that Plato and Hobbes disagree fundamentally about human nature and the proper structure of the state, and that Plato’s argument is correct because of x, y, and yes, even z.”
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