History of Modern Philosophy (Dr. Vailati)
Write a paper on one of the following topics. For length and due date, see the syllabus

1) Discuss the roles of God in Descartes and Spinoza, devoting special attention to the issue of the anthropomorphization of God.

2) Explain Descartes' and Spinoza's different attitudes toward naturalism and how they affect the two philosophical systems.

3) Compare and contrast Locke's and Spinoza's views on free will (make sure you carefully study Locke's chapter on power and Spinoza's propositions 48-9 of Ethics, part II).

4) Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Spinoza's views on the liberty of subjects in civil society. Then, provide a criticism of either of Hobbes' or Spinoza's views on liberty and how Hobbes or Spinoza could answer it.