CVSP 202 Final, Spring 1997

Civilization Sequence 202 Final Examination June 10, 1997 Prof. I. Najjar Two Hours Choose One of the following two essay questions: 1-- Some accuse Ibn Khaldun of being fatalistic and deterministic in his view of civilization. {a) Discuss the basic laws in his science of civilization indicating whether or not they support such an accusation. Do you find his conception of government outdated? (se Z) (b) By comparison with Ibn Khaldun, was Machiavelli a determinist or a fatalist? What was Machiavelli’s favorite form of government? Do you also find his political views outdated? te ~4) (c) If Dante were to criticize Machiavelli’s view of politics, what would he say about it? C#e% ) 2-- Luther's criticisms of the Catholic Church led him ultimately to found a new church. (a) Discuss the major criticisms that he leveled against the Roman Catholic Church indicating how his new church would avoid falling into the same mistakes. How fundamental is his view of faith to that church? (fe 7%) (b) How do you compare St. Augustine’s view of the city of God to Luther’s view of the church? Don’t you think that Luther’s new church is closer to a new society founded on a new work ethics than on church hierarchy or priesthood? (24%) (c) What role does religion play in Ibn Khaldun’s view of the formation of a political society? Does religion require a special role in the Arab quest for royal authority or formation of a political society? Answer adequately. (Ye nA) Good Luck