Assignment 3

Draft to be handed in due Wednesday, January 25. Final copy (after class discussion) due Monday, January 30.

In a few paragraphs (one page or less), explain Walzer’s defense of his claim that:

There exists a moral basis for the existence of nation-states, and it is grounded in the rights of individuals.

Based your explanation (using your own words) primarily on chapter 4. (Cite page references.) If you wish you may, in one or more separate paragraphs, add a question, criticism, or line of thought of your own.

Consider these relevant passages:

“The rights [of territorial integrity and political sovereignty]…belong to states, but they derive ultimately from the rights of individuals.” (p. 53)

“The moral standing of any particular state depends upon the reality of the common life it protects.” (p. 54, my emphasis)

“It is for the sake of this common life that we assign as certain presumptive value to the boundaries that mark off a people’s territory and to the state that defends it.” (p. 57) [What is the “common life” protected by the United States?”]

“We want to live in an international society where communities of men and women freely shape their separate destinies.” (p. 72)

You might also find the material on communal autonomy (pp. 86-91) helpful, as well.