Focus Questions -- Set B

Wednesday, Feb. 13: English Revolt vs. Absolutism [Txt: 245-47; 290-93]

*1. William said that His Majesty the King (James II) broke the promises he made at his coronation. What were those promises?

2. Pages 290-93 are a portion of John Locke's philosophical defense of the Glorious Revolution Locke makes the argument that all people are by nature free and equal, but that there is a big problem for men who live in the natural state of perfect freedom. What is the problem, and what is the solution?

3. According to Locke, what is it that government can never do? Why can it never do that?

Friday, Feb. 15: Locke on Education [Txt: 334-45]

4. In terms of physical health, Locke thinks children need more of what?

*5. Why does Locke believe that physical punishment is a bad educational tool?

6. Locke believes that parents should reason with children rather than chiding (scolding). Why is reasoning with children so important?

7. Consider Locke's argument that children are "rational creatures," and should be reasoned with as much as possible. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this argument?

Monday, Feb. 18: Rousseau on Education & Govt

Group A

8. What does Rousseau think is wrong with typical education in his day?

*9. Why is reasoning with children doomed to failure, according to Rousseau?

10. Rousseau criticizes Locke directly on the issue of reasoning with children.

Which writers do you think is right on this argument, and why?

Group B

*11. Rousseau thinks along the same lines as Locke about natural freedom and

equality of people. He wonders about how people can submit to a government

and remain free. What is the answer to this riddle?

12. Why is it important that all individual rights be submitted to the community?

13. What happens if individuals disagree or refuse to cooperation with the "general will" of all?

Wednesday, Feb. 20: Reason in Action [Txt: 366-74]

14. Lafayette suggests basic principles of freedom. Do you see evidence of the influence of Locke and Jefferson? What about Rousseau?

15. Conservatives like Malouet do not see the United States as a useful example. What is the difference between America and France, in their view?

16. To Conservatives, what is the danger of declaring principles of natural rights?

17. Can you identify the influence of Rousseau in the Declaration of Rights' paragraphs 3 and 6?

Friday, Feb 22: Extension of Rights [389-98]

18. Why does La Fare think that Jews do not deserve full rights as citizens?

19. What did the French Assembly decide to do about Jews in 1791? What about slaves in 1794?

*20. According to Gouges, how has the Revolution changed the condition of women for good and bad?

21. How would you assess Gouges' "Social Contract between man and woman"?