The two texts to be used are:

– Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (Penguin)
– Locke, Second Treatise of Government (Hackett)

Your paper should be 1500 words (use double-spacing, 12-point font, and normal page margins). Do not go over the word limit, and do not go substantially (more than 200 words) under it.

In response to the essay question, your essay will contain an expository and an argumentative component (or be primarily expository or primarily argumentative, depending on the essay question). In other words, you will need to figure out what the author’s argument is on a particular subject asked by the essay question, and present it in your own words (with textual support). And you have to evaluate the argument, defend and/or criticize it.

As you have very limited space, clearly state your thesis at the beginning of your essay. A thesis is the claim or argument that you wish to defend in your essay. “This paper will explore issues related to, or address questions related to, …” is not a thesis.

When presenting your interpretation of the author’s argument, aim to do justice to the author’s argument, even if you profoundly disagree with it. We are not studying these author’s works because they were stupid or incompetent theorists; even if you think the author is dead wrong in his/her argument, you will want to present his/her argument in a fair manner. In forwarding your interpretation and your criticisms, be careful not to select only passages in the text that agree with your interpretation or criticism; a good paper addresses those passages that are difficult to reconcile with one’s own interpretation or criticism.

A good paper will not only build up strong arguments or reasons in support of a thesis, but also consider and refute challenging counterarguments to it, or consider and refute alternative interpretations of a text. Avoid constructing ‘straw’ figures (easily blown down) or weak counterarguments.

Clearly specify the main terms or concepts in your thesis and arguments. When you use a word such as ‘liberty,’ ‘authority,’ ‘obligation’, and so on, be precise about its meaning, or state how you define it. Avoid jargon, ready-made phrases, and meaningless words. Avoid repetition. Repeating a claim does not strengthen your argument if it is weak, and only makes your paper boring and lacking in substance.

Ensure that every sentence and paragraph in your essay says something important and relevant to clarifying, supporting, or defending your thesis against objections or counterarguments. Avoid filler sentences (especially in your introductory paragraph) such
as, ‘Thomas Hobbes was a political philosopher who lived in the seventeenth century and wrote the monumental work, Leviathan.’ Nothing in this sentence clarifies, supports or advances your thesis.

Polish your paper to correct for problems related to spelling, grammar and style. Sloppy writing will be penalized. Avoid the passive voice: ‘It has been argued that…’ and favour the active voice: ‘I argue that …’ or ‘Locke argues that …’ Pay attention to sentence construction to ensure that your writing is clear to your reader