Hobbes State Of Nature Analysis

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Why does Hobbes consider men equal in the State of Nature? Why does this eventually compel men to form a commonwealth?
Hobbes describes a State of Nature as a society with no official government. This means that people would decide for themselves; how to conduct themselves, if someone is guilty of a crime, and if they are guilty of a crime, how they should be punished. There would be no higher power to enforce laws, punishments or settle any disputes. Hobbes describes that living in a State of Nature would be the downfall of civilized life. Men would all be equal, but at what cost? A common wealth is established when men vote or agree to give up rights to all things and transfer them to a soverign, or an assembly of men to have absolute control. …show more content…
(Hint: use the themes presented in class, such as but not limited to: the state of nature, a contract or compact, natural rights, …show more content…
Hobbes believes that without a ruler society will live in the State of Nature. This to Hobbes meant living in an almost civil war like society. Locke believed that in the state of nature people were good and honest, conflicts were resolved peacefully and justly. Locke believed that peace should be the status quo, and we can remain living this way as long as we respect each other. Hobbes believed that people can only live in peace when they turn over all rights to a sovereign. Hobbes social contract states that no matter what, you must abide by the sovereign, and nothing they do can violate the contract. Locke believed that if a sovereign starts to have too much power, the people have the right to rebel and fight for their rights. Hobbes views the sovereign as almost Godlike, to never be questioned and always obeyed. Locke on the other hand, follows a more modern view on government, power should not be absolute, and the people have the right to rebel if they feel they are being mistreated. According to Hobbes, a common wealth is established when men agree to give up rights to all things to a sovereign to have absolute control. There can not be a new contract with the permission of the sovereign, nor could anyone protest against the sovereign. The sovereign had the right to judge what was best for society, including laws, taxes, and policies. Legislative, executive, or judicial

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