POSC 1030 Final Exam

Dr. Thomas

Fall 2020

1. Compose an essay comparing the political science of Aristotle and Locke. How do these authors understand the origins and ends of political life? How do they analyze the workings of politics and determine the best regime? What is their most significant advice regarding the design of government? What is their view of human nature and the best life, and how does that affect their political doctrine? (1250 words)

2. Compose an essay comparing Aquinas and Machiavelli on the exercise of political power. How do they understand the attractions of political rule and our motivations in ruling? How do they teach leaders to analyze the communities in which they might rule? What makes those communities best? How do leaders make them best? What is their view of human nature and the best life, as it comes to light in their advice to princes? (1250 words)

Due Date: Tuesday, December 10, at 5:30 PM.

Remember: Underline the thesis of each essay (i.e., your concise statement of the crucial difference(s) between the two authors) and italicize the thesis of each paragraph.