PHIL 108H~FALL 2012
Exegetical Blog Assignment
HOBBES
Guidelines/Requirements:
1) Write a 50 - 100 word exegetical sentence (critical
analysis, explanation, interpretation) that captures the essence of the readings. Consider
the following: What are the main arguments (explicit and
implicit)? What is the point? Why has
the author tried to communicate something, in that way, and at that time, to
his/her audience?
2) Assumptions/Presuppositions: FIRST, what were YOUR assumptions and
presuppositions coming to this reading?
Then consider: Where does the author stand? What is assumed or taken for
granted in this piece of writing? Who is the assumed audience of this piece? As
a reader, work to pay attention to and discover the values, beliefs, biases,
and assumptions (sometimes overt, sometimes subtle) underlying what you read.
3)
Identifying any significant
insights that you took away from the
reading and/or class discussion (e.g. something you learned, a comment made in class that left
an impression, a paradigm shift, etc.).
Students are encouraged to think about Hobbes in relation to the other readings in the class (e.g. James, Emerson, Anderson, Hall). For example, how did any of the other readings impact your thoughts about Hobbes' account of the state of nature, state of war, laws of nature, the sovereign, etc.?
Students are also encouraged to read other student's posts and offer comments. (You do not have to read every post in the class, but try to read 2-3 and offer comments/feedback.
