Modern Political Theory Paper
Question :
The idea that politics is a distinct and separate sphere of human life is something that modern thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Spinoza see as an important achievement in modern societies. But what is the purpose of politics? How are we to conceive of the relation of politics to other spheres of social life, such as religion? What do these thinkers see as the central role of the political in modern society? In an essay comparing the different ideas and theories of these thinkers, explore the purpose of modern politics and assess the different approaches that these thinkers put forth in their respective theories of politics and society.
Use inofrmation from three of the required references that will be attached:
1. Niccolò Machiavelli, Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livy
(a) Editor’s Introduction and Book 1, chapters: 2-7, 9-10, 16-18
(b) Book 1, chapters: 33-35, 37, 46-47, 53-55, 57-58
2. Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, chapter XIII: “Of the Naturall Condition of Mankind”
Week 5: Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, chapter XIV: “Of the First and Second Naturall
Lawes, and of Contracts”
3. Baruch Spinoza, A Theological-Political Treatise
(a) Preface, chs. 1-2, ch. 4, ch. 6-7
Week 7: Baruch Spinoza, A Theological-Political Treatise
(b) chs. 12-17, ch. 20