Soc. 4111 Review Fall 2016

The key to answering any of the questions below is to draw on the material from class, both lectures and readings. I do not grade opinions, I look at how well you understand and use the theories to answer the questions.

1. Describe in your own words how the three revolutions gave rise to sociology and the impact those revolutions had on social contract theory.
   
   
2. How does Kuhn's version of the growth of knowledge differ from the pebble or linear model?
   
   
3. How is scientific research like puzzle solving? Why do paradigms change?
   
   
4. How do the three paradigms in sociology view human nature and society?
   
   
5. Do you think Hume would agree with Kuhn about how knowledge develops? Explain your answer.
   
   
6. Why are paradigms important to studying sociology?
   
   
7. Compare how Smith and Bentham account for social cohesion and social stability?
   
   
8. Using the notion of felicific calculus, explain and compare individual utility with aggregate utility.
   
   
9. The social theorists we have discussed have either viewed the state (political institution) or the economy as the most primary and critical for the well functioning society. Which one of these general approaches make the most sense to you? Why? Support your answer using class material and the readings.
   
   
10. Compare and contrast in detail, drawing from the readings and lecture, Hobbes and Locke's view of the rise of civil society and the state.
    
    
11. Compare Adams Smith's conception of Human Nature to Hobbes and Locke.
    
    
12. Compare and contrast how Malthus and Bentham view the population issue?
    
    
13. One basic question in social research is; Why do people do what they do? How would Smith and Bentham answer this question?
    
    
14. How does Smith's conception of human nature combined with the invisible hand of the market result in the best of all possible worlds? How does Bentham see us coming to that same world?
    
    
15. Put yourself in the shoes of social contract theorists; Do you believe we could do away with organized state structures and live as free human beings? How much freedom should humans give up to organized society and still be considered free?
    
    
16. Draw on Smith to address the following questions; Will bringing more tourism to Duluth be a key or essential ingredient to saving our local economy?
    
    
17. How do you think Locke would respond to the Patriot Act? Drawing on Locke, explain your answer.
    
    
18. From what we have discussed and what you have read, how would Smith and Bentham respond to major economic bail outs of General Motors and Chrysler? Draw on their ideas to explain why they might take such stands.
    
    
19. A recent news article used Hobbes to explain why open revolt in the U.S. does not happen. Using Hobbes explain why this might be true.Would you reach the same conclusion using Locke? Explain why or why not.
20. Compare and contrast how Bentham and Malthus might have us respond to a natural disaster like Katrina in New Orleans, Ike in Galveston or Sandy in New Jersey, or flooding in Louisiana. From their theories be sure to support why you believe they would respond a particular way.