1. ‘Liberalism is an individualistic political project.’ Critically evaluate this statement 2. Explain and critically evaluate the role that the ‘veil of ignorance’ and ‘the difference principle’ play in Rawls’ liberal egalitarianism. 3. ‘Rawls’ theory of justice as fairness strikes a sensible balance between political reality in contemporary liberal-democracies and the need to promote greater equality.’ Critically evaluate and discuss this statement. 4. ‘Rawlsian liberalism is ideological.’ Critically evaluate and discuss this statement. Make sure to provide some discussion of the meaning of ‘ideology.’

INSTRUSTIONS FOR 300 WORD RESPONSE PART (A)SEPARATE WORD DOCUMENT:

Pick only one and write a short 300 response

Both question reading forwarded to support:

PICK ONE ONLY

Here are the prompts for your second and final 300 word short / “in class” response, on decolonial theory, which, like last time, is due on Tuesday of next week (the 17th) by 11:59PM. Again, a response to ONE of the following:

1. Explain Waldron’s argument against the claim that historic injustices are ‘past offences,’ and how this position relates to colonial dispossession.

OR

2. Briefly introduce Fanon’s account of decolonial violence and evaluate the claim that violence is intrinsically valuable.

ESSAY 2400 WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

CHOOSE ANY ONE TOPIC AND WRITE YOUR ESSAY:

The 2400-word main essay is a scholarly writing exercise that is designed to
demonstrate your understanding and research skills. It should introduce and explain the
key ideas, evaluate them, and build an argument or explanation toward a clear conclusion.

AT LEAST 12 REFERENCES

Have an argument: topic sentences are a great idea!
ii. Structure your essay around your argument: e.g.,
signposting, logical flow
iii. Argue for and against positions, acknowledge criticisms
iv. Find an opponent
v. Stay on topic, maintain relevance and coherence: don’t
get side-tracked!
vi. Keep it simple and straightforward: big words don’t mean
big ideas etc

ASP214 Essay Questions
1. ‘Liberalism is an individualistic political project.’ Critically evaluate this statement

2. Explain and critically evaluate the role that the ‘veil of ignorance’ and ‘the
difference principle’ play in Rawls’ liberal egalitarianism.

3. ‘Rawls’ theory of justice as fairness strikes a sensible balance between political reality
in contemporary liberal-democracies and the need to promote greater equality.’
Critically evaluate and discuss this statement.
4. ‘Rawlsian liberalism is ideological.’ Critically evaluate and discuss this statement. Make
sure to provide some discussion of the meaning of ‘ideology.’

5. Explain Sandel’s communitarian criticism that liberalism presupposes a false
conception of the ‘unencumbered self.’ Is this criticism justified?

6. ‘Rawls’ idea of an ‘overlapping consensus’ accurately reflects the pluralism of
modern societies.’ Critically evaluate this statement.

7. ‘Feminism and liberalism are in inherent tension.’ Critically evaluate this statement.

8. How has feminist philosophy contested and revised existing accounts of justice? In
your answer, consider at least two different strands of feminist political thought (e.g.
liberal, Marxist, intersectional) and evaluate each of these.

9. Why does Karl Marx argue that property rights and wage-labour result in
‘exploitation’ and ‘alienation’? What view of justice does this argument
presuppose?

10. ‘Marxism is as relevant today as ever.’ Critically evaluate this statement. Make sure
you refer to central theoretical claims of Marxism in your answer.

11. ‘Indigenous perspectives on justice can help to clarify central problems in
contemporary political philosophy.’ Critically discuss this statement by reference to
at least two of the themes examined in the first seven weeks of the unit.

12. What are Charles Mills’ criticisms of liberal egalitarian theory (e.g. Rawls’ theory)?
Do you think that Mills’ ‘non-ideal’ approach offers a successful corrective?

13. Discuss and critically evaluate Fanon’s account of violence as it pertains to both the
colonial exploitation of land, resources, and labour, and to decolonisation.

14. Does Kymlicka’s theory of multiculturalism adequately resolve tensions between
liberals and minorities?