Samuel Moyn
Questions for session 3
By Ethan Rouen '04J on November 12, 2009
(1) Nietzsche is much more pessimistic than his predecessors about the threat mass society, including democratic politics, poses to individual distinction. Is he right?
(2) What is his alternative solution for advancement of individuality? Is it persuasive?
Questions for session 2
By Ethan Rouen ’04J on October 27, 2009
Below are the questions for session 2. Feel free to discuss them before and after class in the comments section
(1) Mill associates individuality with our inborn potential for natural genius, while Tocqueville at times associates it with aristocratic distinction. Where does individuality "come from," in your view?
(2) Mill cites Tocqueville's idea of the "tyranny of the majority." Do you think Tocqueville portrays it any differently in his book?
Questions for session 1
By Ethan Rouen ’04J on October 20, 2009
Here are some questions to ponder and discuss before and after the first mini course class on Wednesday. Feel free to use the comments section below to discuss. If you have longer comments, please e-mail Ethan Rouen at ecr2102@columbia.edu and he will create a seperate post on the blog. Enjoy.
1. What does Constant think the difference is between freedom in the ancient world and freedom in the modern world? Do you think he is right?
Professor Moyn Weighing In
By Professor Saumeul Moyn on October 6, 2009