Thomas Hobbes and John Locke were both political theorists that theorized the way a political society should be. Hobbes was the precursor of modern totalitarianism, and Locke was the precursor for classical liberalism. While both theorists shared similar views on the state of nature, they also had disagreements of others. Hobbes had a negative conception of the state of nature, as it represents a state of permanent war. For Locke, the state of nature does not necessarily mean a state of war like Hobbes. Instead, Locke displays a certain skepticism about the natural state because it is full of impartial justice. His view was equality; everyone has the same power as its neighbor.
Hobbes’ political view is that of a modern totalitarianism society. …show more content…
For Hobbes, he views the state of nature as a war of all against all. For Locke, his view of nature is equality. Everyone has the same power as their neighbor. Hobbes and Locke hold similar beliefs on equality, that there are no better or worse human beings. However, Hobbes conceives of equality of capacity (to kill one another), while Locke conceives of equality of rank. We are not born into different ranks, where philosopher kings should rule us, but each equal dignity, right to rule ourselves. “A state also of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another”. (Locke, Chapter 2 pg. 2) In the Hobbesian society, Hobbes thinks that equality in the society will lead to mutual slaughter. Locke disagrees. For Locke, the “equality and independence” of all human beings is the basis for a natural law that we can recognize with our reason. Locke thinks there should be natural justice that “…teaches all mankind…that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions”. (Locke, Chapter 2 pg. 2) In Locke’s society, the idea of “freedom under the law” means one can be free to live as they wish as long as they follow a general guideline. This rule is the law of nature. Hobbes’ society does not offer the same freedom. Instead, one is under the rule freedom “no interference” because the Hobbesian society has the characteristics of a modern
Hobbes’ political view is that of a modern totalitarianism society. …show more content…
For Hobbes, he views the state of nature as a war of all against all. For Locke, his view of nature is equality. Everyone has the same power as their neighbor. Hobbes and Locke hold similar beliefs on equality, that there are no better or worse human beings. However, Hobbes conceives of equality of capacity (to kill one another), while Locke conceives of equality of rank. We are not born into different ranks, where philosopher kings should rule us, but each equal dignity, right to rule ourselves. “A state also of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another”. (Locke, Chapter 2 pg. 2) In the Hobbesian society, Hobbes thinks that equality in the society will lead to mutual slaughter. Locke disagrees. For Locke, the “equality and independence” of all human beings is the basis for a natural law that we can recognize with our reason. Locke thinks there should be natural justice that “…teaches all mankind…that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions”. (Locke, Chapter 2 pg. 2) In Locke’s society, the idea of “freedom under the law” means one can be free to live as they wish as long as they follow a general guideline. This rule is the law of nature. Hobbes’ society does not offer the same freedom. Instead, one is under the rule freedom “no interference” because the Hobbesian society has the characteristics of a modern