Reaction Papers
Paper # 11.......Due April 20
We have been reading and talking about the impact of
neoliberal policies on Latin America during the past week. We have looked at
the macro approach (political economy) as well as a more ground level (micro)
description of developments. How does the
integration of these two approaches deepen your understanding of the impacts of
neoliberal policies on the region? What did you find
most interesting/disturbing/enlightening?
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Paper # 10.......Due April 13
Explain your position on ethics. If you agree with one of the philosophers that we have studied, state the viewpoint and defend it.If you can endorse a theory with modifications, explain and defend your modifications. If you are torn between two viewpoints, explain your thinking.
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Paper # 9....Due April 6
The chapter in Modern Latin America called "Latin America, the United States, and the World" revisits the impact of foreign influence on Latin America. In particular, the authors focus on the role of the U.S. in the region. Assess the American role in Latin America by stating whether or not you think the U.S. role in the region has been ethical or just. When you do so, please make sure you refer to the philosophical perspective you are adopting in making your claims. What is your view on the meaning of ethical behavior between nations? Whose theory are you adopting to make this claim? Also, make sure to examine specific American actions and policies when developing your perspective. Be sure you are writing what you believe, and be sure that you are consistent.
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Paper # 8......Due March 28
Revolutionary movements have arisen in Latin America
over the past 50 years in places like Cuba, Nicaragua and Chile. How would a
Marxist assess their actions and programs? Would a Marxist condemn or support
these revolutions? Why? What do you think of these efforts? Are they morally
acceptable? Why or why not? (
In answering this question, it would be best to focus on a particular country.
In any event you should demonstrate specific knowledge of that country and
specific knowledge of Marxism. It will be difficult to do this in two pages.
We don’t recommend trying to do it in fewer pages.)
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Make-Up Work.....Due March 21 and not accepted after that date
For those of you who are missing assignments, you can
make up missed assignments by turning in a response paper equivalent in length
to the amount of pages you have missed (if you missed 3 assignments, that would
be six pages) that reflects on the various topics/themes/philosophers we have
discussed. These papers should show original thought and not repeat what has
been said in class. This work would have to be turned in on the Tuesday after we
return from break. No exceptions. There will also be no chance to make up missed
assignments after that date. Check your portfolio to make sure that you
have all your assignments.
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Paper Topic # 7......Due March 9 (Thursday)
Based on your reading of European philosophers and Latin American history, should there be a unique Latin American Philosophy that is not derivative of the European schools we have discussed thus far? Do the concerns and issues covered by Hobbes, et al, translate easily to the Latin American experience? Why or why not? You may want to consider the material in Latin American Philosophy in formulating your response. In particular, Leopoldo Zea addresses this question.
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Paper Topic # 6.......Due March 2 (Thursday)
Write an essay in which you offer a philosophical critique of either John Rawls’
liberalism or Robert Nozick’s libertarian conservatism. Be sure to advance at
least two criticisms of their arguments. Do not simply disagree with their
conclusions. Then look at a representative country in Latin America that we have
studied (Argentina, Chile, Peru, or Columbia) and discuss the implications that
the theory you are criticizing would have for that country. This discussion
should be able to bolster your arguments against the theory.
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Paper Topic # 5.......Due on February 21
Domingo Sarmiento argues that the dictatorship of Rosas in Argentina (1830's-1840's) rose out of the culture and dominance of the gauchos in Argentinian economics and politics and that embracing liberalism (a European political theory) and urbanity, Argentina would become a civilized democratic republic. Yet we see that time and again in Argentinian history, political repression and dictatorship reemerge despite the ascendancy of liberals to power during and after the latter half of the 19th century. Where, in your view, did Sarmiento get it wrong?
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Paper Topic # 4.......Due on February 14
The readings that you have been assigned in Modern Latin America provide a broad overview of Latin American history. Are the authors of this book modernization theorists or dependency theorists? Give evidence for your conclusion. Also, discuss your whether you agree with the theory that they adopt.
or
(for late papers)
As liberals gained a voice in various nations in the later half of the 19th century, how did their ideas and programs relate to Mill's ideas? Why do you think that they didn't suceed? Another approach that you could take to this topic is to begin with your critical response to Mill and to discuss why or why not you believe that utilitarianism is a theory that if correctly applied, could be used to bring about social reform in Lain America today.
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Paper Topic # 3.....Due on February 7
Las Casas presents an argument that condemns the
Spaniards treatment of the "Indians." His outcry sparked a heated debate in
Spain. What is your evaluation of his ethical arguments and his depiction of the
indigenous peoples? Does he succeed in "humanizing" them? What is your
evaluation of Sepulveda? Based on your readings in the Broken Spears and
in MLA (to page 26), what impact, if any, do you think his criticism had
on Spanish colonial policy? (The selection from Bartolome de las Casas is in Latin
American Philosophy. The selection from Sepulveda is available from me.
Remember that both of these men are writing from within the Scholastic framework
that we saw in the work of Thomas Aquinas.)
or
(for late papers)
Discuss the selection from Leon-Portilla entitled "The
Birth of Philosophy Among the Nahuas." Do you believe that it is accurate
to contend that the Nahuatl wise men were doing philosophy? Of course,
part of your answer to this question involves a discussion of what counts as
doing philosophy.
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Paper Topic # 2...due January 31, 2006
In Chapter 5 of Locke’s Treatise, he offers an argument about how land can be justly claimed. Give a brief statement of his main points. If you agree with his position, anticipate two objections and answer them. If you disagree with his position, develop at least two criticisms of his arguments. Your paper should also address Locke’s view of America and whether this view makes any sense historically and whether his comments about America reveal about Locke’s philosophical strengths or limitations.
or (for late papers)
Compare and contrast what Hobbes and Locke have to say about conquest and how it would apply to the situation of the Aztec.
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Paper Topic # 1....due January 24, 2006
Consider the three articles about the election of Morales in Bolivia. Do you agree with any of these articles? Why or why not? Be sure that your paper has a thesis that you defend.
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Author: Hollace Graff
Oakton Community College
Updated: February 16, 2006