Discuss the role of the individual (as opposed to a broad popular movement) in bringing about social justice.

1. Compare and contrast Marx’s predicted, future communist society and More’s fictional society in Utopia. Which of the two is more practical? Which is more socially just? (Remember to define “more practical” and “more socially just”). 2. Compare and contrast Marx and Luther with respect to their lives and thought. Who contributed more to social justice? Were both (approximately) equally indispensable to the movements they started? Discuss the role of the individual (as opposed to a broad popular movement) in bringing about social justice. 3. Rousseau rejected Hobbes, but he also (pointedly) did not embrace Locke. Why not? What differences are there between Rousseau and Locke? Next, evaluate the differences between Rousseau and Locke -Whose ideas are more just? (Remember to define “justice”.) Finally, who is more right wing, Locke or Rousseau? (Remember to define “right wing”.) Explain. 4. To what extent may the historical social injustices of Communist countries (like the U.S.S.R., China, Cuba, North Korea, etc.) be attributed to Karl Marx and his vision of communism (e.g., low productivity and vanishing civil liberties)? Conversely, to what extent may Marx and his communist followers take credit for the successes of Communist countries (like industrialization or international influence)? What general use has a theory of social justice for bringing social justice in practice? 5. To what extent may the historical social injustices of Capitalist countries (like the United States of America and Britain) be attributed to Adam Smith and his vision of capitalism (e.g., the growing gap between the rich and the poor, or American/British cultural imperialism)? Conversely, to what extent may Adam Smith take credit for the successes of Capitalist countries (like a rising standard of living and the spread of civil liberties)? What general use has a theory of social justice for bringing social justice in practice? 6. Locke’s politics: Is Locke left or right wing? How far left or right is Locke? Explain. (Remember to define “left wing” and “right wing” politics). If left, explain Locke’s commitment to the right of private property. (Can one be left wing and accept strong property rights?) If right, explain Locke’s proviso for natural resources. Finally, how do Locke’s politics affect how we perceive his influence today? 7. Compare and contrast Adam Smith’s ideas for making a good society with Benedict’s Rule for Monks. What criticisms might Adam Smith make of Benedict’s Rule and vice versa? Can a Benedictine monastery survive in free market capitalism with a minimalist state? Which is easier to live in, Smith free market, or a Benedictine monastery? Which of the two is more socially just? (Remember to define “socially just”.) 8. A common criticism of Christianity is that it is impractical (e.g., “Turn the other cheek”, or “Give up everything you have”). By contrast, Marx boasted of the practicality of his version of communism (e.g. the list of 10 recommendations in chapter II of the Communist Manifesto). Yet Christian monasticism lasted for a thousand years, while communism, at best lasted 70 years. Using the practical and theoretical histories of Christianity and Communism, consider the question: Does religion have a role to play in politics? If yes, how to prevent fusing Church and State in the uncomfortable ways of the Middle Ages (e.g., states interfering in matters of faith, or church authority passing and enforcing laws)? If no, suggest how to motivate the State to live up to its principles AND survive long into the future.

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