Hobbes Vs Machiavelli

Hobbes and Machiavelli, while authors of different political theories, shared many similar values that I feel Socrates would not agree with. Socrates’ idea of the natural state of man is much more positive than that of both Hobbes and Machiavelli who felt humans were naturally warlike. The theorists’ favored types of governments mirror their outlook on human nature, as the pessimists prefer monarchies, and Socrates, a republic, which was present in Rome at the time. The key to government at this time is consent. The people had originally been free, and getting them to accept their ruler is the only way they will obey the laws. The rulers had to offer protection in order to receive consent from the public. While Socrates consented to the Roman …show more content…
Hobbes is a firm believer that life is “nasty, brutish, and short” (2008). Man naturally assumes that he is better and more wise than the others, except for of course those who have established themselves with fame, and if two men want the same thing, they will compete for it. This results in the natural state to be extremely warlike (Hobbes 2008). Men fight for “gain,” “safety,” and “reputation” (Hobbes 2008). Man has to lock his own chest in his own locked house because of the chaotic state the world is in. No one’s property is safe, and simply can be taken if it is accessible. “All that a man’s is what he can get, and as long as he can keep it” (Hobbes 2008). Hobbes believes that through the Leviathan, this natural, warlike state can be eliminated under stable rules. Similarly, Machiavelli feels that humans are innately self-interested, and can turn deceitful when they want something.While they admire virtuous people, most do not possess these qualities (Machiavelli 1950). This state causes Machiavelli to instruct princes to act virtuously whenever possible, but not being afraid to lie in order to maintain control of the people. While Hobbes and Machiavelli have similar pessimistic views of human nature, Socrates has a much more positive outlook on the natural state of mankind. Socrates remains as one of the first philosophers to think people could …show more content…
Socrates sought to teach his students morality and virtue, after the oracle at Delphi claimed he was the wisest man. This led Socrates to search for the truth among the Athenian men who were already known for their wisdom (Plato 2003). Religion impacted the way Socrates lived his life, inspiring him to uphold a higher standard for himself, and to inspire his students to live to this standard. From the time of the end of Socrates to the beginning of Machiavelli and Hobbes, the Catholic church became a huge impact on society, that many felt was entirely corrupt. The church originally tolerated Machiavelli’s views, but he gained more followers that insisted the church was extremely corrupt, obviously losing their forbearance (Machiavelli 1950). “Nothing is more necessary for an association of men … than to restore [religion] from time to time the power and reputation which it had in the beginning” (Machiavelli 1950). The church use to have the correct morals, but time has corrupted the institution, and Machiavelli believes it needs to go back to its roots. Hobbes is in agreement that the church has moved away from its original values. “What takes away the reputation of sincerity is the doing or saying such things that appear to be signs that what some people require other men to believe is not believed by themselves” (Hobbes 2008). Hobbes also called for a