HSTEU 302             INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST ESSAY


This short essay requires close reading and analysis of Locke's Second Treatise of Government, one of the most important works
of early modern political theory.  Written in the 1680's in opposition to the divine right policies of the English Stuart monarchs, it was
not published until 1689, when it emerged as the theoretical justification for the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which deposed James II
Stuart in favor of William (of Orange) and Mary.  Locke's biography, intellectual history and role in these events will be covered in
lectures, so that you will have a context for your discussion of these issues. 

Papers should be 4 to 5 pages, typed, double spaced.  Keep your discussion concise and focused.  Please do not use covers,
just a title page with your name, date etc..  Pick one of the following topics. Professor O'Neil and your TA are available to read outlines or drafts;
contact us by e-mail.

**    Papers are due TUESDAY JANUARY 24 they should be turned in at lecture.  Late papers will be marked down, -.l per day overdue.

The following topics address central issues in Locke's discussion of the origins of government and its relationship to a pre-existing society. 
If these topics seem obscure to you now, after we have read Locke and discussed his work in class, their significance and meaning will be more
apparent.  To pick a topic, first read Locke's Second Treatise of Government, then go back over the text with a specific question in mind. 
Your paper should
1) briefly place the text in its historical setting of 17th century England -- what leads Locke to take up the issue of government
2) describe Locke's position on the specific issue you are discussing, and also
3) describe how that issue relates to the broader argument of the treatise as a whole. 

For problems with the text, please contact Prof. O'’Neil or TA Emma Hinchcliffe.

PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
(Please note that these topics are somewhat overlapping.)

l.  Arguing against Filmer, Locke emphatically rejects the idea that governmental  powers are derived from the powers of fathers over children. 
How does he distinguish between paternal authority and political authority? 
How does this distinction contribute to the overall argument of the treatise?

2.  What, in Locke's view, is the relationship between the origin of property rights and the origin of political society?  What is the status
of people without property in the newly formed political society, and how does he explain inequality of property?

3. Describe the origins of the state or of political society in Locke's theory. 
How does the manner in which the state comes into being affect the structure of the government?

4.  How does Locke distinguish between the "state of nature" and that of civil society? How different are they? What is the significance of the
"state of nature" for the nature of Locke's civil society?

5.  How does Locke view the social and political status of women? 
Are his comments on women only peripheral, or do they contribute to the central argument of the treatise?

6. Compare the state of nature in Hobbes and Locke. What are the implications of their different views of the state of nature for their
theories of how governments are formed?