Thomas Hobbes Laws Of Nature Analysis

Thomas Hobbes’ laws of nature are a set of laws that would keep humanity from falling into the state of nature. This is a state of the world where we are in a constant state of war. The laws of nature are “articles of peace” that, if everyone or most people abided by, would keep the peace for all people interested in their self-preservation. Hobbes provides a set of nineteen laws which are “a rule of reason by which we are forbidden to do anything destructive to our life, ” (Chapter 15, page 68). The first three of these laws are as follows: First, “seek peace and follow it”(chapter 14, p. 60), second, everyone should be willing to transfer their natural rights, if others are also willing, to a sovereign power for the protection and security …show more content…
In the state of nature everyone is entitled to everything, therefore they would be allowed to break the peace whenever they wish out of their distrust, need for glory, or competition. “For as long as every man maintains his right to do anything he likes, all men are in the condition of war” (Chapter 15 p. 60). By following the first law, one gives up his/her right to break the peace. In return, they expect that others will also give up this right. They expect that they will not be attacked and everyone will be allowed to do what is best for their …show more content…
This kind of “covenant” cannot exist in the state of nature, because there is no assurance that either of the parties will perform their part of the deal. The parties would come to distrust one another and see no reason to follow through on their promises. The third law states that one should fulfill their contracts or covenants. Hobbes states this law is the “source of justice” ( Chapter 15,p.66). If someone was to fulfill their contract, it would be justice, and if they were to leave it incomplete, it would be injustice. No matter what the situation is, it would be unreasonable to break