Debate propositions for POLS 325

The rules for debates: We will choose an order of presentation. One speaker will agree, and one speaker will disagree with the assigned proposition. Each has 2 to 4 minutes to present a response to the proposition. Each will answer the question, and will use text evidence to support their position. Each is granted an optional 1-minute rejoinder after both have presented their arguments.

On the day of your debate, bring to class an outline of your presentation, in propositional form, that we can display and discuss in class.

1. Plato ridicules the idea that a just political order is attainable.

2. POLS 325 should teach you the knowledge Plato describes in the Republic.

3. Aristotle's approach to politics holds no special prejudice against women--his views just as easily justify full citizenship for women.

4. As Aristotle shows us, the constitution of a polity must be supported by the habits shared by its people.

5. Augustine would agree with this statement: Sinful people can become good through politics.

6. Aquinas is more hopeful of the results of politics than is Augustine.

7. Aquinas would agree with this statement: Through politics, reason can guide the state.

8. Machiavelli's advice on the use of power is driven by a deep morality.

9. Protestant (eg. Calvin) political ideas endorse discipline, yet present a strong justification for personal freedom.

10.Our view of the individual is still Hobbesian.

11.Locke is the spokesperson for the propertied few, a new class-- not a political radical arguing for popular rule.

12.Locke's view of politics systematically assigns a lower status to women.

13.Rousseau is a political monster, justifying death and oppression.

14.Rousseau offers a path to democracy without excessive individualism.

15.Kant and Hume agree on the source of our moral sense.

16.Mill’s Utilitarianism is an egalitarian political theory.

17.Mill’s argument for personal liberty is not necessarily an argument for democratic government.

18.Marx's concept of alienation is outdated, not suited to the economy for which we prepare ourselves at PLU.

19.Given Marx's high regard for human emancipation, his theory could not justify the oppression of citizens.

20.Nietzsche offers the college student a good guide to life's choices.

These next two are not for debate. They are just questions.

**Justify a right to resist, based on (separately) the arguments of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke.

**Do all of the authors we have read believe freedom is an important value? What did each mean by freedom? What are main conflicts among concepts of freedom?