OhioLINK History of Philosophy Website

Nineteenth-Century Philosophy
Macro Writing Assignment 3:
Final Exam

Professor Clarence Uher

1. Both Marx and Engels discuss Hegel's use of Dialectics. In Engels Socialism: Utopian and Scientific, he points to a contradiction that emerges in Hegel's use of dialectic; a contradiction that undermines the whole of Hegel's philosophy. In your answer, briefly discuss Engels' historical account of the use of dialectic from the time of the Ancient Greeks to the time of Hegel. Be sure to point out the positive as well as the negative aspects of Hegel's use of dialectic. How do Marx and Engels correct the contradiction in their use of dialectic.
2. In the Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, we find one of the most explicit discussions about alienation by Marx. Discuss the concept of "alienation" as expressed by Marx. You should include in your essay the relationship between alienation and the following: production, estranged labor and the product, Animal Function vs. Human Function, private property, and wages. You may want to expand on your discourse by including a discussion about how Life Activity becomes a means to existence which alienates the "species from man."
3. John S. Mill wrote On Liberty, in part, to address a possible problem that results from Bentham's form of Utilitarianism. What is the problem that Mill hopes to address, and what is his proposed solution? Give some examples to illustrate Mill's solution. (Your focus here should be on Chapter 3.)
4. In chapter four of On Liberty, Mill discusses the relationship of the individual to society. It is in this chapter that we see implications of Mill's concept of "justice" revealed. In your essay, discuss Mill's concept of "justice" as it is developed by Mill. Include in your discussion how judgments should be grounded in a teleological approach, according to Mill.
5. Discuss Nietzsche's account of the "two world myth." You should include our class discussion of Plato, and perhaps Descartes. in your essay. What problems arise because of the "two world myth," according to Nietzsche? Describe the relationship between Platonism and Christianity that Nietzsche proposes.

This page is part of the OhioLINK History of Philosophy Instructional Website designed and developed by the Department of Philosophy at Kent State University. We are interested in any comments you may have concerning this Macro Writing Exercise. Send e-mail to the KSU Department of Philosophy Instructional Website Development Team or directly to Professor Clarence Uher, who designed this exercise.

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