Pl 258 Final in-class writing assignment, 8:00 AM, Thurs., Apr. 30 in ALC 215

For this writing exercise on social/political justice and God, bring your own writing paper and a pen (no pencils).  Any notes you want to put on both sides of a 3X5 card are permitted as is the use of a dictionary and thesaurus.  No other texts or notes are permitted.   You will have two hours to complete the assignment, but for most students the exercise will not require the full period.  One question from the following list will be selected by lot.  All must write on that question.  The second question to be written on is up to the choice of each student, but it must be selected from the category other than the one the first question was drawn from.  Make sure that your responses to each question include an explanation of the problem under consideration, why it is a problem, and what the solution and supporting reasons given  by the thinker that you are writing on are.  Exemplify the thinker’s argument by a concrete example and evaluate the argument in light of possible criticisms.  Finally, indicate the measure of your agreement or disagreement with the thinker’s position and why you take the stance that you take.

Political and Social Justice

1)      What is Plato’s conception of the state and how does he argue for a notion of justice within the state?  Give an example of injustice and justice within the state as described by Plato.  Would Plato have thought that the role played by J.P. Morgan within the state was justified?  Why or why not?  How would you evaluate Plato’s view of justice?  Is it distant from or close to your own conception of a just state?  Why?

2)      What is J.J.C, Smart’s notion of justice in a state?  What assumptions about human beings does this notion imply and how does Smart’s conception differ from Plato’s and that of John Locke and Jefferson?  Give an example of Smart’s notion of justice.  What would he say about J.P. Morgan’s role in the state?  What would he consider an unjust state?  What evaluation do you make of his position and is it in line with your own position?  Why or why not?

3)      What is Milton Fisk’s understanding of economic justice and how does he defend it?  Give an example of a just economic society according to Fisk.  How does his position differ from the libertarian capitalist position as well as the Soviet style Marxist/Leninist position?  What would Fisk have to say about J.P. Morgan’s understanding of economic justice?  How would you evaluate his position and in what way is your own economic position in agreement or disagreement with Fisk’s and why?

God

4)      Give any one of Aquinas’ five proofs for the existence of God.  Explain Aquinas’ argument and give a concrete example of his thinking.  What assumption about existing beings does Aquinas’ argument rely on?  Explain.  What complaint about Aquinas’ argument would Little Bessie or the character Job make and how might Aquinas respond?  How would you evaluate Aquinas’ argument and what is your measure of agreement or disagreement with him and why?

5)      Give two of Rabbi Homnick’s arguments defending the existence of God.  Give an example.  How would the rabbi respond to objections raised by Little Bessie or Job about God’s alleged injustice?  Do you agree with the rabbi and why or why not?  If not, what is the major objection to his position?

6)      Give two of Sidney Hook’s arguments against Rabbi Homnick’s attempt to defend the existence of God.  Exemplify Hook’s criticism and indicate whether his criticism shares something in common with Little Bessie or Job?   How would you evaluate Hook’s arguments and indicate why you agree or disagree with Hook on this issue.