After last month’s dinner with Ben Daniel and Professor Churchill, John Stuart Mill feels like hosting another meal. Understandably, he doesn’t want a repetition of the fork slinging and cries of righteous indignation that took place on the first occasion, above all that provoked by Churchill. Thus, he decides to invite only one individual to break bread with him, the Czechoslovak dissident philosopher Vaclav Havel. Over goose liver pâté and a good French wine, Mill enthusiastically outlines the enlightened principles and manifold benefits of liberal democracy. To Mill’s delight, Havel agrees with nearly everything he says about liberalism’s virtues. But then his guest throws some cold water on the discussion. “John,” Havel remarks, “all of your ideals are fine and good for your country. But a lot more needs to happen in my world to persuade people like my greengrocer that they should pledge their allegiance to liberal values.”
What does Havel mean by “my world” and what “needs to happen”?
This question is designed to test your understanding of the issues raised in “The Power of the Powerless” (which was written in 1978). Note: In this assignment, unlike your first one, we are not asking you to make an argument. There is no “yes” or “no” answer to this question. Rather, we want you to put yourself into Havel's shoes. What are Havel's concerns about his compatriots’ attitudes and behavior in this post-totalitarian society? Where does he find room for hope? If you were like the greengrocer, what kinds of things might need to happen for you to reject this system?
Your essay should be typed and no more than four (4), double-spaced pages (normal font). We will evaluate your essay according to three criteria: 1) the clarity and consistency of your assessment of Havel's argument; 2) your use of readings (especially “Power of the Powerless),” lectures, and discussion sections to back up your points; and, 3) your ability to think for yourself. Feel free to be creative.
I have no objection if you want to discuss this assignment with your classmates. However, your essay must be absolutely, completely, and unmistakably your own work.
Deadline: Your essay is due no later than our class time on Monday, November 7. It should be a paper copy. Please remember to staple the pages and to put your name and TA’s name on the first page. Because this is a challenging assignment, there will be no discussion sections on Friday, November 4. Start writing this essay as soon as possible. Late papers will be docked 1/3 of a grade for each day they are late.
Good luck!