May 16, 2012

Is equality intrinsically valuable?

This piece assesses the argument that equality is of intrinsic value and formed part of the formative assessment for the ‘Contemporary Political Theory’ module, GV262.

Is equality intrinsically valuable?

Two problems arise when discussing the apparent value of equality. The first concerns the ability to define equality in such a way that it can be shown as prior to other moral constraints and thus foundational, and the second concerns the ability to prove its desirability given this foundational quality. Broadly, political theorists have failed to articulate clearly why equality is in an individual’s interests and why they should be treated equally. More

Apr 8, 2011

Electoral Systems

This piece assesses the strengths and weaknesses of proportional and majoritarian electoral systems, and was written as part of my degree. This work was a formative assignment for the ‘Introduction to Political Science’ module, GV101.

Are majoritarian or proportional electoral systems better?

Electoral systems – the set of rules that regulate competition between parties and/or candidates during elections, that decide how vote shares map to seats in parliament and indeed, how the electorate express their preferences – have traditionally fallen into two categories; majoritarian – which include Single Member Plurality (or ‘First-Past-The-Post’), the Two-Round System and Alternative Vote – or proportional – like open or closed-list PR and the Single Transferable Vote^[1]. More

Apr 8, 2011

Absolutism

An assignment looking at Thomas Hobbes’ ‘Leviathan’, written as part of my degree. This work was a formative assignment for the ‘Introduction to Political Theory’ module, GV100.

Does Hobbes’ employment of natural rights take him in an absolutist direction?

In this essay, I will aim to assess the political thought of Thomas Hobbes, through analysis of his work, Leviathan. I will explain his theory of human nature, leading to his views on the natural rights of mankind and ultimately, the link he creates between this and his view that absolutism, preferably centred in a monarchy, is the best form of government. I will then attempt to analyse this reasoning, leading to a defence of his theory.
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Mar 4, 2011

Rerum cognoscere causas

“To know the causes of things”. That’s our motto and in fact it’s the core aim of the new LSE100 course that the School has launched to improve our employment prospects. The logic is that LSE graduates are very skilled in our own fields but employers don’t like our narrowly focused programmes and instead would like us to have broader skills. Thus, if you’re a first year, you now have to take part in the LSE100 course to develop your skills to “think like a social scientist”. Good idea, no?

Well, there seems to be some debate about just how good an idea it is. From the very first week, students have been complaining about the new course and its not surprising, given what the School is trying to do with it.
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Jan 20, 2011

The UGM

Controversy struck today at the LSE SU’s Union General Meeting (UGM) as students put forward an amendment to the constitutional bye-laws. The motion, which can be found on the Students’ Union’s website, proposes that the UGM change it’s current voting format back to a “voting in person” system, which was removed under a constitutional reform package last year in favour of online voting. More

JohnPeart.org

Ideas. Comment. Critique.

University

Is equality intrinsically valuable?

Electoral Systems

Absolutism

Rerum cognoscere causas

The UGM