Comparing Thomas Hobbes And John Locke's State Of Nature

In both Thomas Hobbes Leviathan and John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government both describe “the state of nature”. However, for both authors the view point on the “natural instincts” humans possess differs in multiple ways. For Hobbes the state of nature deals with the savagery of Americans, lead to criminal activity and involves two natural passions while Locke’s state of nature involves a state of equality. Both Hobbes and Locke’s explanation of state of nature have aspects of natural law, both authors include ideas of natural law to keep order in the society. For Hobbes the passion of reason causes individuals to look for peace and they therefore develop natural law. Also for Locke, natural law is required to be included in the natural …show more content…
He enables these passions because during the natural state certain individuals are given power that ignite fear into several members of the society. By using fear and reason one can not only escape the state of nature but also allows for the development of natural law in the states. On the contrary John Locke describes a different state of nature that involves equality for all individuals with the help of natural law and morality in all civilians. For example in chapter two Locke explains in the state of nature no one has power over another and includes equality for all individuals regardless of status. Another difference from Thomas Hobbes is even though many have the power to do as they please it does not include tormenting others which is different from the violent nature of the Leviathan. Also, John Locke describes the idea of morality more than Thomas Hobbes because in Second Treatise of Government Locke states there will be punishment for criminal behavior and individuals are able to become members of society when a contract is agreed among the