ESSAY QUESTION #2
Introduction to Comparative Politics, Fall 2006

Whose approach to “living within the truth” is likely to be most appealing to Havel? Mill’s approach or Marx’s approach? 

Please respond to this question by choosing clearly between Mill and Marx.  You must choose one approach or the other.  Your essay should be no more than four (4) typed, double-spaced pages (normal font).

This question is designed to test your understanding of both Havel’s idea of “living within the truth” and of Mill’s and Marx’s conceptions of what would be required to attain this goal.  With respect to Marx, we are asking you to reflect upon only his views in the Communist Manifesto.

In evaluating your responses, we will be looking for the following points:

1. Your argument:  Which of the two approaches do you find most persuasive and why?
2. Your sense of the arguments that can be raised against you:  In particular, keep in mind the consequences and shortcomings of each position.
3. How you defend your position:  the clarity and consistency of your argument, your use of readings, lectures, and discussions, and your ability to think for yourself.

I have no objection if you want to discuss this assignment with your classmates.  However, your essay must be absolutely, completely, definitively, and unmistakably your own work.

Deadline:  You must hand in your essay to your TA no later than section time on Friday, November 3.  Late papers will be docked 1/3 of a grade for each day they are late.

Good luck!