Essay+Topics+for+State+of+Nature

For this theme, you have a choice among the following essay topics:
 * Due date: Friday 12 September, via e-mail before lecture**
 * What is the purpose of state-of-nature reasoning? Drawing on either Hobbes and Rousseau, discuss the purpose of engaging in state-of-nature thought experiments. What do Hobbes or Rousseau hope to gain by such speculation? Critically assess their arguments: would the "state of nature" be like Hobbes (or Rousseau) describes it? Would a more accurate description of the state of nature have different political implications? For a more detailed description of this essay topic, see here.
 * What are Rousseau’s objections to Hobbes’ ideas about the state of nature and the transition to a social state? Are these good objections? How would Hobbes respond to Rousseau? Who has the better argument? For a more detailed description of this essay topic, see here.
 * Do state-of-nature thought experiments (choose either Hobbes or Rousseau’s ideas about the state of nature) have any implications for our understanding of international relations? Does the actual conduct of international relations support or undermine any particular understanding of the state of nature (Rousseau or Hobbes)? For a more detailed description of this essay topic, see here.