Explain the ethical basis for the relation of individuals to their government.
Assessment 3
Freedom and Authority
Overview
Write a 2–3-page essay on a selected issue related to the tension between individual freedom and social
institutions.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course
competencies:
Competency 1: Explain the nature of ethical issues.
Explain the ethical basis for the relation of individuals to their government.
Competency 2: Critically examine the contributions of key thinkers from the history of ethics.
Describe the social contract theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Competency 3: Engage in ethical debate.
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of these theories as they relate to a selected issue.
Competency 4: Develop a position on a contemporary ethical issue.
Apply traditional social contract theories to a selected contemporary issue.
Competency 5: Communicate effectively in the context of personal and professional moral discourse.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for
members of professional communities.
SHOW LESS
Competency Map
Use this online tool to track your performance and
progress through your course.
CHECK YOUR
PROGRESS
Context
Another dose of ethical theory, focused this time on social organization. Several political philosophers have
explained the foundation of governmental authority in terms of a fictional social contract:
Hobbes
Individuals are purely selfish, so they naturally exist in a state of war with all
In self-defense, we join together under the authority of a sovereign who rules
Locke
In nature, rational agents have equal right to enforce the natural law
For protection of “life, liberty, and property” we consent to be governed
(Notice the influence of this approach on founders of the United States.)
Rousseau
We are born free, so any agreement to join together is purely voluntary
Details Attempt 1 Available Attempt 2 Attempt 3
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Each individual freely chooses to serve the “general will,” the welfare of all
Present-day nations exhibit a variety of social organizations:
Authoritarian: absolute power in a single dictator who imposes power over everyone
Elitist: a small group rules for all, based on birth family, wealth, or merit
Democratic: everyone participates in governance, usually by electing representatives
Under any form of government, the fundamental question is how much freedom individual citizens retain in the
face of legitimate authority. If we accept the need for some protection of the public good, we must submit in
some circumstances, but each of us wishes to pursue our own choices within that broad framework.
With respect for justice, we allow the law to prevent us from harming each other, but otherwise we like to be left
alone.
SHOW LESS
Questions to Consider
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a
fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
As you think about the theme "freedom and authority," consider addressing the following questions:
Which version of social contract theory offers the best understanding of your issue?
How much individual freedom is compatible with the legitimate authority of government?
What solution do you defend for the issue you have selected?
SHOW LESS
Resources
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a
helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left
navigation menu of your courseroom.
Hobbes
Hobbes, T. (2001). Leviathan. South Bend, IN: Infomotions, Inc.
Parts I and II.
Cudd, A., & Eftekhari, S. (2017). Contractarianism. Stanfield Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/contractarianism/
Pages 1–11.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Hobbes's Leviathan. The Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/3x.htm#mech
Pages 1–3.
Lloyd, S. A., & Sreedhar, S. (2018). Hobbes's moral and political philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/
Pages 1–8.
Williams, G. (n.d.). Thomas Hobbes: Moral and political philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy?.
Retrieved from https://www.iep.utm.edu/hobmoral/
Pages 1–18.
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Locke
Locke, J., & Cox, R. H. (Ed.). (1982). Second treatise of government. Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Locke: Social order. Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4n.htm
Pages 1–4.
Moseley, A. (n.d.). John Locke: Political philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://www.iep.utm.edu/locke-po/
Pages 1–37.
Tuckness, A. (2016). Locke's political philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-political/
Pages 1–19.
Rousseau
Wraight, C. D. (2008). Rousseau's the social contract: A reader's guide. London, UK: Continuum.
Bertram, C. (2010, September 27). Jean Jacques Rousseau. The Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rousseau/
Pages 1–20.
Delaney, J. J. (n.d.). Jean-Jacques Rousseau: 4. The social contract. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/rousseau/#H4
Pages 11–12.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Rousseau. Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5d.htm
Pages 1–3.
Social Contract Theory.
Individual Freedom
Skillsoft. (n.d.). Overcoming your own unconscious biases [Tutorial].
The systemic influence of cultural presumptions often infringes upon individual freedom. Use this
Skillsoft video to explore the biases to which we may be susceptible.
Running time: 22:00.
Skillsoft. (n.d.). Influence others with political savvy [Tutorial].
This Skillsoft tutorial describes some workplace opportunities to deal with the potential conflict
between collective limitations on individual freedom.
Running time: 22:00.
Ethical Controversy
NBC Learn. (n.d.). EPA head Scott Pruitt faces growing ethics controversy [Video].
In this video, you will see an example of ethical standards in government.
Running time: 01:33.
NBC Learn. (n.d). Arizona governor poised to veto anti-gay bill? [Video].
In this video, you will see an example of governmental infringement on individual rights.
Running time: 03:09.
General Education Information Research Skills Library Guide
A Capella University library guide has been created for your use in General Education courses. The General
Education Information Research Skills Library Guide contains tips on how to use the Capella University Library to
find resources for your General Education courses. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in this library
guide to direct your research in this course.
Note: This Program Guide supports the Essential Undergraduate Learning Outcome of Information Literacy.
SHOW LESS
Assessment Instructions
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Assessment Overview
Political philosophy concerns itself with the formation and maintenance of civil societies. Its central theme is
the need to explain the relationship between individual human beings and their governments. You have been
considering several specific examples of the tension between individual freedom and social institutions. From
among those examples, you have chosen one as the focus for your own views on freedom and authority.
Assessment Instructions
Your assessment is to write an essay assessing the issue you selected, both in terms of versions of social
contract theory proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau and from your own
view of the proper relation between society and the individual.
Address the following concepts in your essay:
1. Explain the ethical basis for the relation of individuals to their government
2. Describe the theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau about how societies are organized.
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the theories in justifying the imposition of authority over
individuals.
4. Apply these social contract theories to the issue you have selected.
Your instructor may provide video feedback on your work, as well as completing the official scoring guide for
the assessment.
Assessment Requirements
Written communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall
message.
APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to current APA style guidelines.
Number of resources: Use your judgment to ensure your topic is thoroughly researched. There is no
minimum number of resources required, however.
Length of paper: Submit 2–3 typed, double-spaced pages.
Font and font size: Use Arial, 12-point font.
How to use the scoring guide
Freedom and Authority Scoring Guide
Use the scoring guide to enhance your learning.
VIEW SCORING
GUIDE
This button will take you to the next available assessment
attempt tab, where you will be able to submit your assessment.
Freedom and Authority
Overview
Write a 2–3-page essay on a selected issue related to the tension between individual freedom and social
institutions.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course
competencies:
Competency 1: Explain the nature of ethical issues.
Explain the ethical basis for the relation of individuals to their government.
Competency 2: Critically examine the contributions of key thinkers from the history of ethics.
Describe the social contract theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Competency 3: Engage in ethical debate.
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of these theories as they relate to a selected issue.
Competency 4: Develop a position on a contemporary ethical issue.
Apply traditional social contract theories to a selected contemporary issue.
Competency 5: Communicate effectively in the context of personal and professional moral discourse.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for
members of professional communities.
SHOW LESS
Competency Map
Use this online tool to track your performance and
progress through your course.
CHECK YOUR
PROGRESS
Context
Another dose of ethical theory, focused this time on social organization. Several political philosophers have
explained the foundation of governmental authority in terms of a fictional social contract:
Hobbes
Individuals are purely selfish, so they naturally exist in a state of war with all
In self-defense, we join together under the authority of a sovereign who rules
Locke
In nature, rational agents have equal right to enforce the natural law
For protection of “life, liberty, and property” we consent to be governed
(Notice the influence of this approach on founders of the United States.)
Rousseau
We are born free, so any agreement to join together is purely voluntary
Details Attempt 1 Available Attempt 2 Attempt 3
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Each individual freely chooses to serve the “general will,” the welfare of all
Present-day nations exhibit a variety of social organizations:
Authoritarian: absolute power in a single dictator who imposes power over everyone
Elitist: a small group rules for all, based on birth family, wealth, or merit
Democratic: everyone participates in governance, usually by electing representatives
Under any form of government, the fundamental question is how much freedom individual citizens retain in the
face of legitimate authority. If we accept the need for some protection of the public good, we must submit in
some circumstances, but each of us wishes to pursue our own choices within that broad framework.
With respect for justice, we allow the law to prevent us from harming each other, but otherwise we like to be left
alone.
SHOW LESS
Questions to Consider
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a
fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
As you think about the theme "freedom and authority," consider addressing the following questions:
Which version of social contract theory offers the best understanding of your issue?
How much individual freedom is compatible with the legitimate authority of government?
What solution do you defend for the issue you have selected?
SHOW LESS
Resources
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a
helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left
navigation menu of your courseroom.
Hobbes
Hobbes, T. (2001). Leviathan. South Bend, IN: Infomotions, Inc.
Parts I and II.
Cudd, A., & Eftekhari, S. (2017). Contractarianism. Stanfield Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/contractarianism/
Pages 1–11.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Hobbes's Leviathan. The Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/3x.htm#mech
Pages 1–3.
Lloyd, S. A., & Sreedhar, S. (2018). Hobbes's moral and political philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/
Pages 1–8.
Williams, G. (n.d.). Thomas Hobbes: Moral and political philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy?.
Retrieved from https://www.iep.utm.edu/hobmoral/
Pages 1–18.
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Locke
Locke, J., & Cox, R. H. (Ed.). (1982). Second treatise of government. Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Locke: Social order. Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4n.htm
Pages 1–4.
Moseley, A. (n.d.). John Locke: Political philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://www.iep.utm.edu/locke-po/
Pages 1–37.
Tuckness, A. (2016). Locke's political philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-political/
Pages 1–19.
Rousseau
Wraight, C. D. (2008). Rousseau's the social contract: A reader's guide. London, UK: Continuum.
Bertram, C. (2010, September 27). Jean Jacques Rousseau. The Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rousseau/
Pages 1–20.
Delaney, J. J. (n.d.). Jean-Jacques Rousseau: 4. The social contract. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/rousseau/#H4
Pages 11–12.
Kemerling, G. (2011). Rousseau. Philosophy Pages. Available from
http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5d.htm
Pages 1–3.
Social Contract Theory.
Individual Freedom
Skillsoft. (n.d.). Overcoming your own unconscious biases [Tutorial].
The systemic influence of cultural presumptions often infringes upon individual freedom. Use this
Skillsoft video to explore the biases to which we may be susceptible.
Running time: 22:00.
Skillsoft. (n.d.). Influence others with political savvy [Tutorial].
This Skillsoft tutorial describes some workplace opportunities to deal with the potential conflict
between collective limitations on individual freedom.
Running time: 22:00.
Ethical Controversy
NBC Learn. (n.d.). EPA head Scott Pruitt faces growing ethics controversy [Video].
In this video, you will see an example of ethical standards in government.
Running time: 01:33.
NBC Learn. (n.d). Arizona governor poised to veto anti-gay bill? [Video].
In this video, you will see an example of governmental infringement on individual rights.
Running time: 03:09.
General Education Information Research Skills Library Guide
A Capella University library guide has been created for your use in General Education courses. The General
Education Information Research Skills Library Guide contains tips on how to use the Capella University Library to
find resources for your General Education courses. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in this library
guide to direct your research in this course.
Note: This Program Guide supports the Essential Undergraduate Learning Outcome of Information Literacy.
SHOW LESS
Assessment Instructions
Tutorials Support Log Out Shawn Smith 8
Assessment Overview
Political philosophy concerns itself with the formation and maintenance of civil societies. Its central theme is
the need to explain the relationship between individual human beings and their governments. You have been
considering several specific examples of the tension between individual freedom and social institutions. From
among those examples, you have chosen one as the focus for your own views on freedom and authority.
Assessment Instructions
Your assessment is to write an essay assessing the issue you selected, both in terms of versions of social
contract theory proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau and from your own
view of the proper relation between society and the individual.
Address the following concepts in your essay:
1. Explain the ethical basis for the relation of individuals to their government
2. Describe the theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau about how societies are organized.
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the theories in justifying the imposition of authority over
individuals.
4. Apply these social contract theories to the issue you have selected.
Your instructor may provide video feedback on your work, as well as completing the official scoring guide for
the assessment.
Assessment Requirements
Written communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall
message.
APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to current APA style guidelines.
Number of resources: Use your judgment to ensure your topic is thoroughly researched. There is no
minimum number of resources required, however.
Length of paper: Submit 2–3 typed, double-spaced pages.
Font and font size: Use Arial, 12-point font.
How to use the scoring guide
Freedom and Authority Scoring Guide
Use the scoring guide to enhance your learning.
VIEW SCORING
GUIDE
This button will take you to the next available assessment
attempt tab, where you will be able to submit your assessment.
- Assignment status: Get solution from our writing team
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