In this paper I will be assessing Hobbes view of man in a state of nature and why it is not possible to agree with life in the state of nature if one disagrees with the all-powerful sovereign. Due to the many factors associated with the state of nature and the social contract, if one agrees with such it makes it nearly impossible to disagree with the need for a government with limitless powers. I will argue that if one agrees with life in the state of nature, then they must as well agree with Hobbes in regards to the necessity of an all powerful sovereign. One cannot agree with life in the state of nature and disagree with the all powerful sovereign simply because an all powerful sovereign is needed due to the way life functions in the state
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Due to all these claims, if humans were left to the State of Nature, humanity would cease to exist due to all the violence this state results in. One of the reasons the State of Nature produces immense violence is due to how each person is equal to one another. If we are all equal, each person possesses the constant fear of another person attacking themselves, which would cause people to become violent and attack others in order to sooth their fears and self preserve. All of this violence causes humanity in the State of Nature to be quite troublesome, which is evident in the causes for quarrel’s. According to Hobbes the principle causes of quarrels are competition, fear and glory and Hobbes states that, “The first maketh man invade for gain; the second, for safety; and the third, for reputation.” (Bailey and Martin, 180.). This means that humans in the state of nature are competitive in order to gain, fearful for one’s own …show more content…
Thus if one agrees with the condition of life in the state of nature, they would also come to the conclusion that a powerful person is needed in order to ensure peace and just civilization. It is also evident that humans in the state of nature are aggressive and selfish, creating a need for a sovereign who can lead them to peace. Hobbes states, “Where there is no common power, there is no law, no injustice” (Bailey and Martin, 181), so if there is no injustice there is no civilization. This means a powerful leader is required in order to create laws and mold what is unjust and just, allowing for peace, civilization and less chaos. Due to the conditions of the state of nature, man will consent to this power, as all human’s desire self-preservation, thus making an all powerful sovereign the proper solution.
In conclusion, after explaining how humanity act in the state of nature, it is evident that a leviathan is needed in order to create justness and harmony throughout society. When one agrees with life in the state of nature, they must also agree that a powerful sovereign is needed. The violence and fear that the state of nature induces, is detrimental to humanity and thus require a higher power that can create peace. A sovereign is the only plausible solution, as humans are naturally self-preserving and will
Due to all these claims, if humans were left to the State of Nature, humanity would cease to exist due to all the violence this state results in. One of the reasons the State of Nature produces immense violence is due to how each person is equal to one another. If we are all equal, each person possesses the constant fear of another person attacking themselves, which would cause people to become violent and attack others in order to sooth their fears and self preserve. All of this violence causes humanity in the State of Nature to be quite troublesome, which is evident in the causes for quarrel’s. According to Hobbes the principle causes of quarrels are competition, fear and glory and Hobbes states that, “The first maketh man invade for gain; the second, for safety; and the third, for reputation.” (Bailey and Martin, 180.). This means that humans in the state of nature are competitive in order to gain, fearful for one’s own …show more content…
Thus if one agrees with the condition of life in the state of nature, they would also come to the conclusion that a powerful person is needed in order to ensure peace and just civilization. It is also evident that humans in the state of nature are aggressive and selfish, creating a need for a sovereign who can lead them to peace. Hobbes states, “Where there is no common power, there is no law, no injustice” (Bailey and Martin, 181), so if there is no injustice there is no civilization. This means a powerful leader is required in order to create laws and mold what is unjust and just, allowing for peace, civilization and less chaos. Due to the conditions of the state of nature, man will consent to this power, as all human’s desire self-preservation, thus making an all powerful sovereign the proper solution.
In conclusion, after explaining how humanity act in the state of nature, it is evident that a leviathan is needed in order to create justness and harmony throughout society. When one agrees with life in the state of nature, they must also agree that a powerful sovereign is needed. The violence and fear that the state of nature induces, is detrimental to humanity and thus require a higher power that can create peace. A sovereign is the only plausible solution, as humans are naturally self-preserving and will