Write Two Essay Questions (2-3 pages typed double-spaced each) Answer either Question 1 OR Question 2:
1.While pieces of Burke’s argument (the defense of monarchy, for example) are out of date, other elements of his philosophical view of conservatism live on.
Find two examples of this, present the quotes, and for each explain the point Burke is making and why it seems valuable to you.
2.Burke’s defense of the aristocracy and the British upper class is subject to a fierce attack by Paine and Wollstonecraft. Select one line of attack by Paine and one line of attack by Wollstonecraft and discuss. (Note: you need to provide an answer for both.)
In your answer,
a) examine both the language they employ and the key points they make.
b) Does their attack seem persuasive to you?
c) Which parts of their argument remain alive today? Answer either Question 3 OR Question 4:
3.Marx believes the liberal revolutions (American and French revolutions) did not go far enough.
a) What key part of the Third Estate that overthrew the King and the old aristocracy is Marx’s enemy? How is it that this group has taken power in liberal constitutional democracies?
b) What is the essence of Marx’s critique of liberalism? Does it still apply today?
4. In the pre-Trump era, the essentials of the left-right debate between liberals and conservatives in the 20th and 21st century were laid out by Schlesinger and Hayek in the 1940s.
a) What is Hayek’s critique of New Deal liberalism?
b) Why is his argument historically weak? c) What is the essence of Schlesinger’s argument in favor of modern reform liberalism?
d) Identify a key point where Schlesinger and O’Leary agree with Hayek.
e) Is President Biden’s agenda in accord with Schlesinger’s argument? (On this point, be brief.) I have attached some notes from the semester that I thought could be helpful. I can also send copies of any pages in the books we read that you feel you may need. If there is anything else you need from me let me know.
