Introduction to Political Philosophy

Locke on Civil Society

As you read the material for the next class, keep the questions below in mind. To answer these questions you will have to reflect critically on what you have read and possibly re-read important passages. Keep in mind that there are two basic kinds of information that you need to look for in the readings.

  1. What are the main points or conclusions that an author accepts with respect to a particular issue?
  2. What are the reasons or important considerations that lead the author to accept that conclusion?

For our purposes, it is information of the latter sort (2) that will be our primary concern since our most basic task is to evaluate the reasons that are offered to support accepting one possible conclusion about an issue, rather than another. Although I strongly suggest that you write out brief answers to these questions, you do not have to turn in written responses. You do, however, need to be prepared to speak intelligently to these issues in the next class meeting.

Reading:

  • Milton Friedman, Free to Choose, “Created Equal”, pp. 128-149 (handout).
  • F.A. Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty, “Equality Value, and Merit”, pp. 85-102 (handout).

Questions:

  1. What conceptions of equality does Friedman consider? Under each, what does it mean to treat two people equally?
  2. What does Friedman mean by “liberty”? Is this the same as Mill’s? What are acceptable limitations to liberty?
  3. Which conceptions of equality are compatible with liberty according to Friedman? Why? Which are not? Why? What conception does he ultimately accept?
  4. What role does responsibility play in Friedman’s account? Why is it so important?
  5. According to Hayek, why are we “factually” or “materially” unequal? Would Mill’s account of equality disagree with this?
  6. Hayek considers family, inheritance, and education as elements of a person’s environment that lead to inequalities. Why does Hayek believe that the inequalities from these are justified?
  7. Does Hayek agree with Friedman on the value of equality of opportunity? What conception of equality does Hayek accept?
  8. What does Hayek mean by “merit” and why is justice based on it contrary to liberty?

 

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