PHIL 200

This course will focus primarily on the political philosophy of major eighteenth-century sentimentalist figures David Hume, Adam Smith, and Edmund Burke. Political problems from then and now will be discussed. Course topics will include, among other things, moral sentimentalism, human nature and government, the role of religion in politics (and vice versa), political revolution and reform, crime and punishment, the politics of sex and sexuality, and sentimentalist economics.

The course requirements are as follows. All students are expected to have read the assigned material in advance of the class period in which it will be discussed. Your grade will be based on the following assignments:

1) DAILY READING RESPONSE (150 points total, divided into three parts as described below): A minimum overall score of 80 points is required to pass this assignment.

*1a) DAILY READING RESPONSE PARAGRAPH (90 points): Our class is scheduled to meet 50 times this quarter. One of those days is scheduled for the midterm exam, and on another day you will have a different assignment. For the remaining 48 days, you are required on 45 occasions to hand in at the beginning of class a typed paragraph in response to one or more of the questions listed for that day’s assignment, referring to the readings as part of the response. Late entries will not be accepted without a documented excuse.

Each response paragraph will be graded as either “good” (2 points), “satisfactory” (1 point), or “unsatisfactory” (0 points). You will receive a satisfactory grade on a daily reading response you turn in on time if you: (a) write a paragraph no longer than 300 words; (b) present the material systematically (i.e., state the problem and the response to it) with reference to the readings; and (c) show a minimal degree of comprehension. (You may submit responses every day if you desire, up to a maximum of 48, in your effort to reach the maximum score of 90.)

*1b) LONGER READING RESPONSE (10 points): During the first week of class, each of you will choose a future day for this project. Once during the quarter, on a day of your choosing, you will write a longer reading response of approximately 2 pages, addressing one or more of the questions for that day in some detail. Class will begin that day with your verbal statement of what you have written .

*1c) END OF CLASS QUESTION (50 points): At the end of each class session you will be asked to write a brief response to some question about that day's discussion. You will receive one free point on the day of the midterm, and also for any day of documented excused absence.

2) MID-TERM EXAM (100 Points): This will be a closed-book exam. You will be required to answer several questions in short answer or short essay form. The exam will be given in class on Monday, Oct. 22nd. A mininum of 53 points is required to pass this assignment.

3) FINAL IN-CLASS EXAM (150 Points): The final exam will be similar in format to the midterm, only longer. It will take place on Monday, Dec. 10th, in GUG 204, and will cover material from the whole course. This will be a closed-book exam. A minimum of 80 points is required to pass this assignment.

Final Grade: Your final grade will be computed on the basis of the assignments you have turned in. There is a total possible point score of 400 points. Below you will find a conversion table. The first column represents total points for the course. The second column represents the grade for the midterm exam. The third column represents the grade for either the final exam or the daily reading response total. The fourth column represents the approximate letter grade equivalent. And the fifth column is the UW grading-scale equivalent. (Please note that while I will use this table as a basis for the final grades in the course I reserve the right to make adjustments to it in the service of fairness.)

392-400                   98-100           147-150                A+                                  4.0
372-391                   93-97             140-146                A                             3.9-3.7
356-371                   89-92             134-149                A-                           3.6-3.5
340-355                   85-88             128-133                B+                           3.4-3.2
324-339                   81-84             122-127                B                            3.1-2.8
308-323                   77-80             116-121                B-                            2.7-2.5
292-307                   73-76             110-115                C+                          2.4-2.2
276-291                   69-72             104-109                C                             2.1-1.8
260-275                   65-68              98-103                 C-                           1.7-1.5
244-259                   61-64              92-97                  D+                          1.4-1.2
228-243                   57-60              86-91                   D                            1.1-0.8
212-227                   53-56              80-85                   D-                           0.7
0-211                         0-52                0-79                   F                             0.0

Nota Bene: (1) In order to pass this course students are required to: a) have enough total points (i.e., at least 212 points); and also b) pass (i.e., receive at least 53 percent) in two of the three components of the course (i.e., daily reading responses, the midterm exam, and the final exam). If you have enough total points to pass but do not pass two of the three components you will fail the course. Absolutely no exceptions will be made to this policy.

(2) In some cases, when I calculate the final grade, I will also consider such factors as improvement and class participation.

(3) Academic Misconduct. Cheating in any form (including plagiarism, of course) will result in automatic referral to the Dean’s office. You are assumed to understand the university rules concerning inappropriate academic conduct, including what constitutes plagiarism. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the instructor.

There are two course packets assigned for this course, and they are on sale at the University Bookstore. All readings in both packets are required reading for this course. However, one packet is labeled as required, and the other is labeled as optional. The reason that one packet is optional is that all of the readings from that packet are freely available online, and are linked below. I recommend you to have the readings with you in class, either by printing them yourself or by purchasing the optional packet in addition to the required one, and bringing these materials with you to class.

The reading and lecture schedule is as follows, and of course it may be subject to change. Dates, readings, topics, and response questions are tabulated below. Response questions will be updated as we proceed through the quarter.

	Reading
Date	Packet 1	Packet 2	Topic	Response Questions	EOCQ	FYI
9/26	Hobbes, Leviathan Ch. XIII (excerpt)	The History of Ideas Vol 4 Moral Sense - Bibliography (up to “revival”)	Intro to Sentimentalism	What is sentimentalism? What it it opposed to? Explain.	What 2 branches of moral philosophy developed in response to Hobbes?	Article about Burke misquote Euclidean geometry
9/27	A Note-Book of Edmund Burke pp. 90-92 Paine, Rights of Man, excerpt ("But there is a truth ...")	Hume, “Of Moral Prejudices” III.II.1-4 Burke, W III, pp. 346-7	Moral Prejudice	What is moral prejudice and what does it have to do with funeral ceremonies? Explain how Paine differs from Burke on this topic.	What 2 characters did Hume contrast in this reading? Briefly explain.	Unclaimed dead article Corpse abuse article St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre Jude the Obscure (anti-marriage novel) Mao book (pp. 456-7 atrocities vs. Tibetan corpses)
9/28		Hume, “Of the Influencing Motives of the Will” Hume, “Of Self-Love,” last 2 paragraphs Hume, Treatise, paragraphs 1222 & 1223	Motivation & Human Nature	According to Hume, what causes aversion or propensity? What role does reason play in this process? What are original instincts, general appetites/aversions, calm passions, violent emotions? Explain the passions of benevolence, self-interest.	What does Hume mean by "strength of mind"?
10/1		Hume, “The Sceptic,” I.XVIII.1-3 Hume, “Of Refinement in the Arts,” II.II.3 Hume, “Of Interest,” II.IV.11 Burke, W V, pp. 373-4	Pluralism	According to Hume, what chiefly contributes to rendering modes of life agreeable? What three elements constitute human happiness, and how? Explain the most insatiable human craving. According to Burke, how does the British state exemplify pluralism?	According to Burke, what is the most important interest?	J.S. Mill's nervous breakdown Winter Soldier movie Paine quote South Park tie-in Hitler's Mein Kampf (see "greatest transformation") Wild Swans (p. 369, "instinct for collecting") Ultimatum Game
10/2	Paine, Rights of Man, excerpt ("In casting our eyes ...")	Hume, “Of the Origin of Government” Hume, “Of the Original Contract,” II.XII.21-24	Government & Human Nature	According to Hume, what is the purpose of government? Why is it needed? Explain the factitious duty of obedience. How do Paine and Hume differ regarding consent of the governed?	According to Paine, what are the three origins of government?	Mortgage letter (see the 4th one, "Too many people don't think about risks involved")
10/3		Smith, TMS VI.II.26-37		According to Smith, how is the love of one's own country different from the love of mankind? What is the constitution of a state, and how does selfishness help to maintain it? Explain how two principles are involved in love of country.	According to Smith, what requires the highest effort of political wisdom?	U.N. Somalia Operation Parkinson's Law
10/4		Burke, W VII, pp. 94-98; W IV, pp. 165-167		What does Burke mean by prescription, and how is it related to property and presumption? What is the test of moral machinery, and what is the true touchstone of theories about humans? Explain Burke's idea of expedience. Explain Burke's claim that duties are not voluntary.	Give two examples of non-voluntary duties, according to Burke.	FDR's Court-Packing Attempt Article on electoral votes Rawls book (p. 69 for example of 1800 India constitution) UCMJ
10/5		Revised: Smith, WN V.1.199, TMS V.I.1-5, 9, 11-15, 17, 22-26	Government & Human Variation	According to Smith, what is the difference between custom and fashion? Give an example of how custom or fashion may influence judgments of beauty. How may custom or fashion influence moral sentiment? How may custom or fashion destroy good morals?	Give an example of a wrong act that people think right, due to custom.	Tostan & FGC Stanford Prison Experiment Article on foot binding
10/8		Hume, “Of National Characters,” I.XXI.1-20		Explain how, according to Hume, men of sense reason differently from the vulgar about national characters. What are moral and physical causes, and which is more important and why? Distinguish national character from professional character and personal character. How does the concept of contagion play a role in Hume's discussion? How might accidents influence national character?	Give an example of an accident influencing national character.	Burke on American temper & character (pp. 120ff.) Boston Tea Party Burke on French squares (pp. 461ff.) 1857 India Uprising Four articles on McDonald's lawsuit: First Second Third Fourth Forester book ("American human nature," pp. 143-5) Paris Peace Conference
10/9		Burke, W XII, p. 164; W VII, pp. 44-45, 55 Burke, W II, pp. 227-231		According to Burke, what is the human "second nature" and why is it important? Explain Burke's standard for the conduct of legislators to the people. How is moral or political rightness determined? What is the business of government? Explain why liberty must be limited in order to be possessed.	What is the first question a good statesman would ask, according to Burke?	Tocqueville example (see footnote 4)
10/10		Smith, TMS IV.I.11, TMS VI.II.38-43 Burke, W V, pp. 216-217	Developing Government (General Considerations)	According to Smith, what is the sole end of a constitution? What are the most useful works of speculation and why? Explain Smith's statements about Solon and chess pieces. Explain Burke's claims about metaphysicians and mice.	What does Smith say tends to promote public spirit?	Schlosser quote (see next to last paragraph) Seattle speed limit reference (see Casey Hanewall quote) Solon article
10/11		Burke, W III, pp. 476-479; W II, pp. 169-170, 280-282		How does Burke's talk of loose counters relate to human second nature? What does Burke consider to be a most desperate game? Why does Burke favor early reform and oppose hot reformation?	What did Montesquieu praise ancient legislators for?	Smith on 20 pound note Another Burke prediction of Napoleon (pp. 524-5) Montesquieu passage ("In a popular state the inhabitants are divided into certain classes. It is in the manner of making this division that great legislators have signalised themselves; and it is on this the duration and prosperity of democracy have ever depended.")
10/12	Paine, Rights of Man, excerpt ("The present National Assembly ...")	Burke, W III, pp. 310-313, 359-361 Hume, “Of the Original Contract,” II.XII.28		Why, according to Burke, are restraints considered to be rights? Explain his claim that governmental science is not a priori. Explain Burke's vision of social contract, and compare it to Hume's. How does Paine criticize Burke's England?	According to Burke, what is the first of all virtues?	Washington D.C. voting rights Paine and the French Revolution, including jail and near-execution Reign of Terror More Burke criticism of French voting system (pp. 463ff.)
10/15	Feynman passage, pp. 113-115	Hume, “Of the Rise & Progress…,” I.XIV.1-5, 14, 25-6 Hume, “Of the Protestant Succession,” II.XV.6, 9 *Revision:* *Locke's 2nd Treatise, Sections 114-116, 119, 122* *See Extra Opportunity Assignment*		How does Hume distinguish between cause and chance? Explain what he says about the source of all security and happiness. Explain the importance of unforeseen consequences. According to Feynman, what is scientific about the English way of developing government?	According to Hume, what is the source of all security and happiness?	Feynman book Infinity movie Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 85 (last paragraph in particular, also in general; e.g., "it is the best which our political situation, habits, and opinions will admit"; "the system, though it may not be perfect in every part, is, upon the whole, a good one; is the best that the present views and circumstances of the country will permit"; "I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man. The result of the deliberations of all collective bodies must necessarily be a compound, as well of the errors and prejudices, as of the good sense and wisdom, of the individuals of whom they are composed.")
10/16		Burke, W IV, pp. 206-211		Explain Burke's view of the whole scheme of the British constitution. Explain Burke's criticism of rash meddling with government.	What does Burke mean by "abstract and unlimited perfection of power in the popular part"?	A bit of Montesquieu
10/17		Burke, W III, pp. 453-458		Explain Burke's talk about difficulty and sloth. Why does he favor circumspection and caution? Explain Burke's criterion of profound wisdom.	According to Burke, _________ is a severe instructor.	See also Burke, W III, pp. 274-5 Amartya Sen article on China, Kerala population
10/18		Hume, “Of the Independency of Parliament,” I.VI.1-3 Burke, W X, p. 173 Madison, Federalist 51	Knavery	Explain Hume's maxim about knaves. How does Burke use the idea of matrimony in his discussion of corruption? Explain Madison's statement about angels. How does Madison propose to apply Hume's maxim in the United States?	Madison says, "Justice is the end of government." Who else have we read that agrees with this?	Burke quote (p. 256): "If legal ways are not found, illegal will be resorted to; ... Lawful enjoyment is the surest method to prevent unlawful gratification. Where there is property, there will be less theft; where there is marriage, there will always be less fornication." Hamilton quoting Hume's knave maxim Hume quote on checking the natural depravity of mankind (paragraph I.III.12) What Tiggers like
10/19		Burke, W IX, pp. 457-459; W III, p. 397 Burke W IV, pp. 162-164; W V, p. 189	Knavery	Explain Burke's view toward arbitrary power. Why is the arbitrary power of a majority worse than that of a cruel prince? Explain Burke's view of the majority's right to change their form of government. Explain what Burke thinks government is made for.	Give an example of a calm passion overriding a violent passion, and state whether it is morally good or bad in this case.	Hume on tyrannicide Conservative argument for gay marriage Hume against perpetual subjection
10/22	*Midterm Exam*	Bring blank intact green book	Study Suggestions	Example Answers
10/23		Hume, “Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth,” II.XVI.1-2, 52-53, 69-70; Smith, WN V.3.90	Many Small Divisions	Why does Hume think it unwise to tamper with government? What is advantageous about many small bodies of people? Explain Hume's claim that a large republic is feasible. Explain Smith's discussion of faction in a small democracy.	None today	Wisdom of Crowds book
10/24		Madison, Federalist 10	Many Small Divisions	According to Madison, what is faction and how are its causes sown into human nature? Explain what is Madison's great object in this paper. Explain one or both of the differences between a democracy and a republic.	Explain one of the differences between a democracy and a republic.	Burke's speech about America, W II, pp. 128-130 Partition of India The American Revolution: A History, by Gordon S. Wood (2002), pp. 158ff.
10/25	Portable Edmund Burke, pp. 546-549		Resistance, Revolution	Why does Burke think personal character to be important in politics? What does he say about the means to a political end? Explain his claim about radical infirmity, and its consequences. Why does he think moderation to be a virtue?	What is the double problem about political ends that Burke discusses?	See Burke, W VI, pp. 86-7 Howard Zinn, People's History
10/26	Paine, Rights of Man, excerpt ("We have seen ...")	Hume, “Of Passive Obedience”		Explain Paine's distinction between a revolution based on personal hatred and one based on rational contemplation. Which does Paine think better and why? According to Hume, when is resistance to government justified? Why does Hume think it a bad idea to carefully draw the line where resistance may be allowed?	Explain Hume's claim, "a right without a remedy would be an absurdity."	Rubin book, p. 70, "The Big Fact": "In very few instances is one decision actually better than another." Bonus Expeditionary Force
10/29		Burke, W IV, pp. 78-81; W II, pp. 441-443		Explain why Burke contrasts Aurelius with Nero. Explain when revolution is justified, according to Burke. Explain the conditions that would justify a change of government in India. Explain Burke's discussion of "a nugatory proposition."	Explain what Hume and Burke say about Nero (involving sentiments). Example answer	Imperial Grunts book (see pp. 329-345 for reporting on post-Saddam Iraq) See Burke, W IV, pp. 108-9 for his circle & circumference remark about himself in the 3rd person
10/30		Hume, “Of Refinement in the Arts,” II.II.4-5, 7, 9-10, 16-18, 21-22 Hume, History of England, v. 1, Appendix, para. 387	Culture, Manners, Marriage	According to Hume, how are industry, knowledge, and humanity linked? What effect do they have on government? What item does Hume think favorable to liberty and equal laws? What is a magistrates's aim? What is virtue and how does it flourish?	According to Hume, what are "the most pernicious and most odious of all vices"?	Hume on retracting sentiment (see ~5 paragraphs) Magna Carta
10/31		Burke, W VII, pp. 199-205, W II, pp. 148-150 *Late addition*: See also W II, p. 465		What does Burke think of Agricola's character and his treatment of the ancient Britons? What is "almost the whole of government"? How did the Britons hold out for so long against the mighty Roman Empire? What discovery led to the pacification and civilizing of Wales? What is the preceptor of duty?	What is "preceptor," and what does Burke say is the preceptor of duty?	Pottery Barn rule Chamberlain & Czechoslovakia Overthrow book (see pp. 92-4 on Puerto Rico, pp. 314-6 on Iraq ... the whole book is fascinating) Hume on conquest by free government (paragraph I.III.9)
11/1		Burke, W II, pp. 202-3 Smith, TMS III.I.79 Burke, W III, pp. 108, 316, 339		According to Burke, how do civil wars affect manners? According to Smith, how does war affect a soldier's sense of justice and humanity? What does Burke think has happened to the people of England, with regard to India? What does he think is the worst of the politics of revolution?	What is the problem with criminal means, according to Burke?	Article, Where Are the Omelets?
11/2		Burke, W V, pp. 310-318		Why does Burke think manners more important than laws? How does Burke think wise legislators behave? What does Burke think of marriage and divorce? What are "rights of sepulture" and why does Burke care about them? What does he mean by "obligations written in the heart"?	Which (2nd-order) moral sentiments determine morality? Example answer	Freedom Riders Smith on dividing self for moral judgment (paragraph III.I.6)
11/5		Hume, “Of Polygamy and Divorces,” I.XIX.1-7 Burke, W VII, pp. 131-134		According to Hume, what is the purpose of marriage? What two parts of duty must a married man perform? According to Burke, what is the purpose of marriage? Why does he think it unjust for those who cannot afford children to have them? What does he think of the aristocracy? What about the smallest rights of the poorest people?	Which of Hume's or Burke's views (about the purpose of marriage) is more amenable to gay marriage? Why?	NY Times article about government incompetence Book about MacArthur Book about French Revolution
11/6		Smith, TMS III.I.100-106, 111-112	Religion (Toleration, Persecution, Terrorism, Etc.)	Explain what makes the difference between a good fellow and a worthless one, according to Smith. Explain how nature compensated for the slowness and uncertainty of philosophical research about morality. What is the purpose of moral faculties? Explain the meaning of "right," "wrong," etc. How does religion enforce the natural sense of duty?	Contrast what Hume & Smith say in our readings about education (as related to virtue).	Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon
11/7		Burke, W III, pp. 350-356		Explain what kind of animal Burke thinks humankind to be. What kind of prejudice supports Church Establishment? Why does Burke think the Church Establishment important for English rulers? For English civilians? Why does he think a perfect democracy shameless? What kind of person should be placed in power?	According to Smith, where do the general rules of morality come from?	Dechristianisation of France during the French Revolution Some established churches
11/8		Hume, Dialogues …, pp. 219 (last para.) – 223 Hume, “Bad Influence of Popular Religions on Morality”		What does Cleanthes think to be the proper office of religion? Explain Philo's gravity analogy. What pernicious consequences does Philo think religion may produce? What saving game does he think magistrates must play? What observation does Hume think holds universally about religion? Why does Hume think great crimes compatible with religious piety?	What is the palpable contradiction that Hume discusses?	Smith on general rules (see III.I.95) Burke on prescriptive religion (W VI, pp. 368-9) Burke on personal character & intent (W IV, p. 238) Hume on philosophy and religion Bush book (anecdote about elder Bush on civil rights, pp. 187-9) See Burke, W VII, pp. 25-26
11/9		Smith, TMS III.I.124-125 Hume, History of England v. 5 ch. XLVI, para. 50 Hume, History of England v. 3 ch. XXXVII, para. 712 Hume, “Of the Standard of Taste,” I.XXIII.35-36		According to Smith, what may false notions of religion lead to? Explain how impartial spectators feel about this. On Hume's view, how may strength and weakness of mind coexist? What occasion exhibits the worst of human nature? What does Hume think regarding sentiments of religious hatred?	What word does Hume use to describe sentiments of religious hatred?	Gunpowder Treason See Burke, W VII, pp. 36-37
11/13		Smith, WN V.1.196-198 Hume, History of England v. 5, Appendix, para. 260 - 261 Revision: ~~Hume, History of England v.3 ch. XXXVII, para. 704 - 706~~ Burke, W III, pp. 442-3, 246		Explain what would likely happen, according to Smith, if religions were treated equally and impartially by the government. Explain Hume's statement about an ocean of blood. Explain Burke's statement about "business to correct and mitigate." What is his view about politics and the pulpit?	What is "true religion," according to authors we have read?
11/14		Revision: ~~Burke, W VII, pp. 25-26, 30, 36-37~~ Burke, W VI, pp. 333-341, 402-404		What does Burke mean about a "color for oppression"? Explain the double error he discusses. Explain what he says about veneration of antiquity. How does Burke recommend improving society? What does he mean about slaves and beggars? Explain Burke's claim about what the legislature of Ireland ought to do.	How can the following two statements by Burke be reconciled? "Government is not made in virtue of natural rights, which may and do exist in total independence of it" (W III, p. 310). "[A]ll forms whatsoever of government are only good as they are subservient to that purpose to which they are entirely subordinate," i.e. "a conservation and secure enjoyment of our natural rights" (W VI, p. 333). Example answer	Trinity novel Rabbit-Proof Fence movie
11/15		Revision: Hume, "Of the Populousness of Ancient Nations," II.XI.6 Burke, W VI, pp. 257-262	*Slavery*	Why, according to Hume, is domestic slavery more cruel than civil subjection? What effect does Hume think slavery has on slave owners? How does Burke respond to the "incurable evil" of slavery? Why does he propose to allow the slave trade rather than outlaw it immediately? What difference does he see between civilizing free savages and slaves? Is Burke's code supposed to complete the job of ending slavery?	Is Burke's code supposed to complete the job of ending slavery?	Tajikistan info John Brown End of British slavery
11/16	Burke, “Short Account,” 1^st paragraph	Hume, “Of Parties in General”	Party, Faction	What does a duty post have to do with political party, according to Burke? According to Hume, who deserves the highest honor? Why does Hume think founders of factions should be detested? Explain the difference between personal and real factions. Describe the three kinds of real factions, pointing out which is most excusable.	According to Hume, where do general virtue and good morals in a state come from?	Article on federal law about guns & domestic violence Alexander Hamilton's early days (in the West Indies)
11/19 Hints, Ideas, Examples for Optional Midterm		Burke, “Present Discontents,” 1.1.141-152		Explain Burke's quote, "When bad men combine ..." What does Burke think public duty requires of a member of Parliament? Explain his talk of soldiers, priests, families, parties. Explain his talk of the Roman view of friendship and patriotism. What is party? What is the business of the politician? Explain Burke's criticism of the saying, "Not men but measures." What is the business of "men," or humans?	According to Burke, what is the business of humans?	Article on Sudan split Marlborough
11/20		Burke, W III, p. 292; W II, pp. 416-421 Hume, “Difficulties Solv’d,” 2^nd paragraph		Explain Burke's reference to the germ of public affections. Explain what he says about factions in republics, including the lust for party power. What does he think wrong with proscribing by general description? What does he say about shocking the prejudices of the people? Explain his comment about a kitling. How does Hume explain the way people judge leaders?	What does Burke think about party/faction?	Gordon Riots
11/21		Burke, W VI, pp. 319-24 Revision: Hedonic Calculus (First 2 paragraphs)	Equitable Utility	What does Burke mean about censure and repeal? What does he mean about the people giving up their judgment? Explain his claim about the chief sufferers. Explain the two foundations of law, according to Burke. Explain Bentham's aim in devising the hedonic calculus.	Which author writes about the hedonic calculus?	Bentham chapter Push-Pin paragraph
11/26	Paine, Rights of Man, excerpt ("Hitherto we have spoken ...")	Burke, W III, pp. 307-309 Burke, W II, pp. 196-199, 437	Rights	Why does Paine think it easy to distinguish between natural rights and civil rights? Explain Burke's real rights of men. What does he think about each individual's right to participate in governance? What distinction does Burke make between lawyers and legislators? Explain his claims about partial freedom, and the obnoxious. What is wrong with nibbling away liberty, according to Burke? What does he mean by "chartered rights of men"?	What was the charter of King John?	Magna Carta
11/27	Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws, Book XI Ch. 6 excerpt Madison, Federalist 47 excerpt Portable Edmund Burke, pp. 541-545	Burke, W IV, p. 228	Rights	Explain what Burke considers to be the worst species of tyranny. Explain Montesquieu's claim about "an end of everything." What does Madison consider to be the very definition of tyranny? According to Burke, how may someone forfeit the right to liberty? What is the freedom that Burke loves? What would Burke like to see in a judicial system? What does he say is England's proud distinction?	What was Madison talking about, with reference to "the celebrated Montesquieu"?	French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Bentham on Natural Rights Gavin de Becker's Gift of Fear
11/28		Hume, History of England v.1 ch. II, para. 198 Burke, W VII, pp. 109-117; W IV, p. 224	Jury Trial	What does Hume say about juries? Why does Burke think the ground of libel laws just and equitable? What is Burke's point about taking away and establishing, and what is the connection to Magna Charta? What is his point about Minerva and Jove? What is his point about complexion and hair color?	What does Minerva have to do with juries?	Article on juries Article on libel
11/29		Smith, TMS Footnote 2, 4^th paragraph Smith, TMS II.III.7-13 Burke, W XI, pp. 178-179, 182	Crime & Punishment	Explain Smith's statement about the Author of nature, regarding punishment. Explain Smith's view about the propriety of gratitude or resentment toward inanimate objects, animals, people. Explain Smith's three qualifications. What does he mean about shadows of merit and demerit? Explain Burke's view of sympathetic revenge. What does he mean about debauched sympathy?	According to Hume, why is toleration a paradoxical principle (see link to relevant passage)?	Judgment at Nuremberg movie
11/30		Burke, W IV, pp. 462-466, W VI, pp. 245-252 Revision: Burke, W IV, p. 467 Smith, TMS II.II.18 (notice what he says about wild beasts, in connection to Burke's talk about forfeit, 11/27)		Explain Burke's claim that the mass of the people ought never be treated as criminal, and the reasons for this claim. What does he mean by rebellion against the Law of nature? Explain his claim about the impossibility of government standing for a year. Explain the bad consequences of "a great havoc among criminals." Why does Burke recommend punishing offenders from principle? Explain his talk of "natural progression." Explain what he says about mercy and comparative justice.	What is a right?	Articles about U.N. & crimes against humanity: 11/30/07 (today); 9/25/07 Seneca on Cyrus
12/3	Burke, Sodomy speech & correspondence			Explain Burke's distinction between civil and criminal law. What is the point of punishment in general, and of the pillory in particular? What does Burke think of the crime of sodomitical practices? Explain Burke's position regarding the subsequent libel.	Why must rights have remedies?	Article on Burke & sodomy Lawrence v. Texas 2003 U.S. Supreme Court case on sodomy Article on Sweden hate speech case
12/4	Revision: *Burke, Opium excerpts*	Hume, EPM Section III Part II Hume, “Of Commerce,” II.I. 9, 12-13 Burke, W III, pp.433-434	Economics	According to Hume: Why not assign property by virtue? Why not perfect equality? How then should property be assigned? Explain Hume's comparison of superstition and justice. Explain what he says about ten thousand different instincts. Explain how his discussion of a fortified camp connects to his claim about the common bent of mankind. Explain Burke's claim about a hovel. On what grounds did Burke criticize the opium monopoly in India?	According to Hume, what is the difference between justice and superstition?	Hume's "pretty indifferent" statement about the assignment of property Hume's chapter, "Of the rules, which determine property" Hume quote (para. II.XII.38): "...private justice, or the abstinence from the properties of others, is a most cardinal virtue: Yet reason tells us, that there is no property in durable objects, such as lands or houses, when carefully examined in passing from hand to hand, but must, in some period, have been founded on fraud and injustice. The necessities of human society, neither in private nor public life, will allow of such an accurate enquiry."
12/5		Smith, TMS IV.I.10; WN IV.2.9-10 Burke, W II, pp. 117-8, 253-4, 260-1 Burke, W V, pp. 133, 166-167		Explain Smith's claim that all the different ranks of life are nearly upon a level. Explain Smith's claims about an invisible hand. Explain Burke's claim about a wise and salutary neglect. How does Burke argue against equal taxation, and what does he propose instead? Compare his claim about actual situation to an earlier claim by Solon. Explain what he says about pre-revolutionary French trade. Explain his claim, "Trade is not a limited thing." Explain his talk of foolish good intention in a time of scarcity. What does he think the state ought to confine itself to do? What does he mean about a leaning vs. a law?	How does Burke recommend improving society? (see Nov. 14 above)	Excerpt about Hume and game theory Excerpt about Hume and the tragedy of the commons Hume passage about ripe corn (see end of paragraph)
12/6	Pipes, Communism: A History, Conclusion			Explain Pipes's point relating to the claim that acquired characteristics are not heritable, with reference to acquisitiveness. How does this relate to Hume's claim from above? What important point does Pipes say Lenin ignored regarding the abstraction called "state"? How does this relate to Hume's political maxim from above? How does the point from Friedrich Hayek relate to Smith's point (IV.2.10) from above? How does Pipes's claim about the importance of property rights relate to Burke's hovel passage (pp. 433-4)? Explain Pipes's claim that territorial and ethnic loyalties always and everywhere evoke stronger emotions than class loyalty. Does this claim echo any previous reading we have seen? How does Pipes's reference to omelettes and broken eggs relate to Burke's claim (p. 216) about the way to projected good? What kind of national character does Pipes attribute to Russia today, and what was the moral cause that produced it?	Class overhead about Pipes Give an additional sentimentalist criticism of communism.	Pipes info
12/7		Smith, TMS III.I.68-75	Medical	How does Smith's example about a cannon relate to his claim about Nature's reward for good behavior under misfortune? How does his example of a wooden leg relate to his claim about the Stoics, and the king of Epirus? Explain what is the great source of human misery and disorder, according to Smith. Explain Smith's point about misfortunes that have no remedy, as opposed to those that do.		Slower right to die for paralyzed article Disability is a civil rights issue article Paraplegics and lottery winners article
*12/10*	*Final Exam*	Bring blank intact green book	First Midterm Study Suggestions First Midterm Example Answers Optional Midterm Info Class overhead about Pipes Final Exam Study Suggestions