Difference Between Hobbes Locke And Rousseau

Most people take for granted many things we are afforded in this day and age. One of those things we take for granted is the government. Without said government there would be no laws to provide order and security, and we would be in a state of nature that would result in a state of war. A state of nature, regardless of who is detailing its differences, is basically a life without government rule leaving people to act out of self-preservation. A place without government is a place of chaos with everyone acting of their own accord. The state of nature is viewed differently by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Hobbes views that state of nature and man in a negative light with everyone being only for themselves. Locke views the state of nature in …show more content…
The purpose of law for Rousseau is to communicate the general will of the people. The general will of the people puts the common interest of all involved at the forefront. Whereas in the state of nature there was a sense of inequality, once the social contract is in effect there is equality as everyone is needed for the common good to take place. In order for these laws to be enacted the majority must agree to give up their individual rights for the protection of all. The sovereign hopes to serve the common good while putting private interest last. For Rousseau laws are “the conditions of civil association”, meaning that the laws are created by the citizens and are to be followed and enforced by the citizens. No law can go into effect unless everyone agrees to …show more content…
In order to leave the state of nature individuals must consent to the social contract in order to form a commonwealth. For a social contract to be enacted all members of society must agree to give up certain rights provided in the state of nature to create a civil society that benefits them all. The commonwealth for all three signifies an impartial power which makes the final decisions concerning matters in civil society. For Hobbes the social contract is created because people live in fear that another will harm them in their quest for self-preservation. While Locke believes that a social contract is needed to create an impartial judge because men cannot be trusted not to take justice too far, once the common good is no longer at the forefront. Rousseau believes that a social contract is needed in order to preserve the community as it is becoming hard for everyone to survive on their resources