papers must be in Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced, 1 inch margins. Indent all paragraphs. Avoid long quotes.
There are two Curtis books, vol. 1 and vol. 2. All citations to the Curtis book must look like this (Curtis, 1: page; Curtis, 2: page), depending on which volume you are using and which page you are citing.
For full credit, you must include either Plato or Aristotle and at least one modern author from the Curtis books, either volume (you can discuss both Plato and Aristotle and more than one modern author). You can only use authors I have assigned on the syllabus until the due date. You cannot use any author not assigned or not yet read.
First, discuss the important distinctions among the ancients and moderns regarding nature and equality. What are the benefits and problems with beginning with a state of nature? Second, why does the Declaration of Independence put such an emphasis on equality and nature? Third, draw conclusions. That is, tell the reader if there is a version of civil society that most approximates justice according to the Declaration of Independence and why that is so. If there is not, then discuss that as well.
Do not cite to individual authors (e.g., Rousseau, page). Citations to the Declaration of Independence must be to the version on Canvas, and should look like this (DI, page).
Books:
• Michael Curtis, ed., Great Political Theories V.1
A Comprehensive Selection of the Crucial Ideas in Political Philosophy from the Greeks to the Enlightenment
• Michael Curtis, ed., Great Political Theories V.2:
A Comprehensive Selection of the Crucial Ideas in Political Philosophy from the French Revolution to Modern Times
• Bob Blaisdell, ed., Essays on Civil Disobedience. Dover Publications.
