Hobbes Human Nature Essay - 1424 Words

Modern political philosophy strives to answer fundamental questions about democracy and constitutional theory. In 17th century England, Thomas Hobbes’ and John Locke’s opinions expressed through their writing exemplified opposing viewpoints about human nature, the origin of the state, the nature of government, and the grounds for revolution. Although Hobbes and Locke agreed on some general facets of political theory, Thomas Hobbes’ generally presented a pessimistic, provocative view of politics, while John Locke tended towards a more optimist and mainstream approach to explaining constitutional theory. In regards to human nature, both Hobbes and Locke agree that the purpose of government relies on the nature of humanity itself. However,†¦show more content†¦As a result, Locke’s view of human nature argues that humans limit themselves rather than nature imposing limits. Thus, Hobbes presents a pessimistic view of human nature in which perpetual fear creates a state of war, whereas Locke introduces reason as the catalyst of maintaining natural rights and a state of peace. Depending on their ideas of human nature, both Hobbes and Locke theorize about the origin of the state in accordance with the state of nature. For Hobbes, the state forms out of necessity for the preservation of human life. Hobbes explains, â€Å"[E]very man has a Right to every thing; even to one anothers body† (Hobbes, 37). To clarify, Hobbes asserts that in an attempt to save one’s self in a state of war, he or she may do anything regardless of morality. As a result, humans submit to a state, unnaturally and reluctantly, because survival within a state of war is impossible: â€Å"[M]en agree amongst themselves, to submit to some Man, or Assembly of men, voluntarily, on confidence to be protected by him against all others† (Hobbes, 40). As the only means by which humanity can survive, people succumb to a common state, which limits them by rooting the law in morality.Show MoreRelatedEssay on Thomas Hobbes and The Human Nature685 Words   |  3 PagesThomas Hobbes was a 17th century British philosopher and political theorist in early modern times, known for his political thoughts. Witnessing the horrors of the English Civil War that took place from 1642–1651, Hobbes was convinced that an absolute monarchy was the only form of government that could protect individuals and their interests while providing a secure environment that allowed for practice of those interests. Hobbes writes about the idea of absolutism, or absolute monarchy- a form ofRead M oreComparison of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke: Human Nature Essay1375 Words   |  6 Pagesbloodshed of the English Civil War, Thomas Hobbes realizes the chaotic state of humanity, which gravitates towards the greatest evil. Hobbes’ underlying premises of human nature–equality, egotism, and competition–result in a universal war among men in their natural state. In order to escape anarchy, Hobbes employs an absolute sovereignty. The people willingly enter a social contract with one another, relinquishing their rights to the sovereign. For Hobbes, only the omnipotent sovereign or â€Å"Leviathan†Read More Human Nature as Viewed by Thomas Hobbes and David Hume Essay example1948 Words   |  8 PagesHuman Nature as Viewed by Thomas Hobbes and David Hume Thomas Hobbes in Chapter 13 of Leviathan, and David Hume in Section 3 of An Enquiry Concerning the Princples of Morals, give views of human nature. Hobbes’ view captures survivalism as significant in our nature but cannot account for altruism. We cover Hobbes’ theory with a theory of Varied Levels of Survivalism, explaining a larger body of behavior with the foundation Hobbes gives. Hume gives a scenario which does not directly proveRead MoreHobbes View Of Human Nature1495 Words   |  6 Pagesintuitive and straightforward notion of pessimism, this essay will argue that Hobbes’ view of human nature is not pessimistic. Firstly, this argument will be supported by an explanation of some of Hobbes’ theoretical assumptions, which reveal his stance on human nature. More specifically, his theory on the state of nature becoming a state of war, and the steps he takes to arrive to this conclusion, will be outlined to ultimately demonstrate that Hobbes does not depict mankind pessimistically. Then, a criticalRead MoreEvolution and the Modern Social Contract Theory : Essay Outline1050 Words   |  5 PagesThe Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Outline POLS 14033 – Political Ideas and Ideologies The Emergence of the Modern Social Contract Theory Essay Question: Firstly, in this essay, we will describe and analyze the various concepts of the evolution and emergence of the modern social contract theory thru the analysis of several of its key political thinkers. We will provide a detailed review of the concepts that have developed and that were crucial for theRead MoreCompare and Contrast Hobbes’s and Locke’s Views of the State of Nature and the Fundamental Purpose of Political Society. Whose View Is the More Plausible? Why?1564 Words   |  7 PagesCompare and contrast Hobbes’s and Locke’s views of the state of nature and the fundamental purpose of political society. Whose view is the more plausible? Why? Introduction Thomas Hobbes and John Locke were both natural law theorists and social contracts theorists. While most natural law theorists have predominantly been of the opinion that humans are social animals by nature, Locke and Hobbes had a different perspective. Their points of view were remarkably different from thoseRead MoreThe Tradition Of Dogma And Despotism938 Words   |  4 Pagesin England, America and France, which marked the end of area that untimely gave way to Romanticism. Due to the vast assortment of philosophical ideas, this essay aims to portray the developments in political thought as a set of general strands of thought, as appose to precise theories. This essay can be seen as a discussion of the origins, nature and contested status of the most important strands of political thought spawned of this era with a consideration of the affects such ideas have had on theRead MoreRousseau s Views On The State Of Nature And Civilization1401 Words   |  6 Pagesthis essay, I will com pare the contrasting views between Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau based on the state of nature and civilization. Rousseau was seen as an optimist who viewed human nature as good (â€Å"Noble Savage†) and believed that civilization corrupted us; While, Hobbes thought the complete opposite believing that humans in their natural state were selfish creatures purely interested in themselves and that government is imperative in keeping us in check. Throughout this essay, I willRead MoreThe Leviathan By Thomas Hobbes849 Words   |  4 PagesIn the text, the Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes conceives of the state as one ultimate political authority in which he calls the â€Å"sovereign†. For Hobbes, the sovereign is the apex of what we know to be the state. Since the beginning of time, the state has served as a beneficial and important facilitator of rights and resources. In our general conceptualization of the world, the state is the ultimate arbiter of political power and serves many fundamental purposes. Political philosophers throughout timeRead MoreAnalyzing the Ideas of Locke and Hobbes on the State of Nature704 Words   |  3 Pagespolitical philosophers concerns the state of nature concept underlying much of social contract theory, with the esoteric term being used to describe the hypothetical human condition which logically preceded the institution of organized government. Engaging in a rigorous deconstruction of this hypothetical condition, one defined by a societal structure in which mans rights are not protected by the power of the state, provided political philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke with ample opportunity