Introduction To Political Philosophy- Jonathan — ...

Summarize that while the state's legitimacy is difficult to prove through absolute consent, the alternative (the State of Nature) is generally seen as a condition where humans cannot truly thrive.

Briefly touch upon the utilitarian argument mentioned by Wolff: the state is justified because it promotes the "greatest happiness for the greatest number" more effectively than anarchy. Introduction to Political Philosophy- Jonathan ...

Describe Hobbes’s view of a "war of all against all," where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to scarcity and fear. Summarize that while the state's legitimacy is difficult

Contrast this with Locke’s view, where a moral law exists even without a government, but "inconveniences" (like the lack of an impartial judge) eventually make the State of Nature untenable. 3. Justifying the State Contrast this with Locke’s view, where a moral

Reflect on Wolff’s "Final Word," which suggests that even without a single perfect answer, the act of political philosophizing is essential for navigating modern issues like global justice and equality. Other Potential Essay Topics from the Book

Political philosophy often begins with two central questions: "who gets what?" and "says who?".

Compare the "State of Nature" theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Does Wolff’s analysis suggest we have a moral obligation to obey the state? 1. Introduction