Hobbes vs Locke vs Rousseau and the Zombie Apocalypse Opinion Paper
The Zombie Apocalypse is finally upon us. Everything we know as normal has changed. Somehow, a
massive virus has infected the world’s living population, taking down cities, continents, and reigning
governments. The virus infected living humans turning them into mindless, zombie walkers. These zombie
walkers search for humans as they provide sustenance. Eventually, the walkers are able to devour the
military and government might of all global superpowers, rendering all of society a desolate, chaotic, and
zombie-infested ghost town. Civilization is inherently fragile in the face of this truly unprecedented threat
and most individuals cannot be relied upon to support the greater good if the personal cost becomes too
high. The response of authorities to the threat is slower than its rate of growth, giving the zombie plague
time to expand beyond containment. This results in the collapse of our society. There is no longer a
government, no infrastructure and money and material items are useless. There are no rules and no laws
to guide citizens. Zombies take full control while small groups of the living must fight for their survival.
Humankind have now been reduced to their most primitive state.
Using your knowledge of the differing philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke or Jean Jacques
Rousseau, your task is to write an opinion paper arguing which of the three Enlightenment Thinkers ideas
best represent what happens next? What will happen to the survivors of the human race? Choose EITHER
of the three and start first by determining what in your opinion, is “Man’s” most primitive state? Is he
inherently Good or Evil if left to his own devices without the constructs of society governing his thoughts,
opinions and behaviour. Whose proposed relationship between man and the state is most suitable for the
realties and threats posed by zombies and humans? Next, identify how your chosen philosopher’s central
ideas or themes are reflected by using specific examples and comment on what their opinion on
civilization is, or more importantly, what lies in store for the future of humanity. Make reference to your
philosophers’ most important works and ensure that you cite examples to support your argument. Your
paper should be a minimum of 2 pages long, word processed and written in APA format.
DUE DATE: ____________________________________
(See the accompanying Rubric to see how you will be evaluated.)