PLSC 485b Reading Guide Week 4

In what ways did early liberals argue that individuals were equal? In what ways were they not seen as equal? What aspects of feudal or absolutist society were the liberals most opposed to?

These authors argue that constitutions were important to liberals. Why? What features would a liberal constitution have?

Adam Smith rejects the notion that individuals are assigned functions in society by tradition or through a divine plan to create a workable economy. How does the division of labor occur if no one person establishes it?

What is Locke's theory about the origin of property rights? When can I legitimately say a piece of property is mine, and when can I not make such a claim?