Calvin and Hobbes

The theory of human nature or the state of nature as described by both Hobbes and Rousseau has been a philosophy that has been in constant question since the 17th century. Both Hobbes and Rousseau wrote on this topic a century a part from another and had similar yet distinct ideas in regards to the state of nature and the need for government or social contract. Hobbes ideology portrays man in a harsh and most depressing manner; his views are seen as cynical and pessimistic. Rousseau’s…

In “Of the System of Man’s Free Agency” D’Holbach explains his argument that human action is determined by the laws of nature. He proposes that humans are part of the natural world and therefore governed by necessary laws, so they have no free will. On this essay I will argue that D’Holbach’s argument on motive is not a good one; I will explain the argument, present why do I think the argument fails and consider ways to defend the argument from my own attack. D’Holbach’s Argument D’Holbach…

Guide on How to Prevent a Tyrant All persons have the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. When these rights are not exercised then people become angry and this causes tyranny. Tyranny is harsh, absolute power in the hands of one individual, like a king or dictator. In the late 1700s our founding fathers were tasked with preventing tyranny within our country. They put in place rules and laws to prevent tyranny. Federalism is power that is divided between state and federal…

innocent. A great example of one’s ideas on human nature is William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. The author of the novel shares many ideas on human nature with an enlightenment philosopher, Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes idea on human nature correspond with Golding’s ideas through his writing. Hobbes believes that humans are born with a natural evil and will grow corrupt. Through the character Jack, that Golding creates, readers can understand that it is human nature to have an urge for something,…

ICE: Lord of the Flies- Causes and Effects of Power-Hungry Governments No matter who’s in control, the innocent dies from the ignorant authorities’ power. Lord of the Flies, a novel written by William Golding, depicts a government control over the society as a republican government or a dictating government. Golding uses isolated boys of different ages all following two types of government in order to survive on their Island. The authorities of the island, having governmental control over the…

There has been a ubiquitous French proverb that says, “If you don 't do politics, politics will do you." This goes as far as explaining what politics can be defined as because regardless if you participate in politics or not, politics will participate in you. Even though there are arguments about whether or not politics is defined as an arena or process. I believe that politics can be defined as a process through the points of decisions and power. To begin with, looking through the lens of…

Hobbes and Locke are both social contract theorists who have influenced many citizens of this country. To begin, they both start out talking about human nature. Locke and Hobbes had very different views regarding human nature. Locke claimed human nature as reason and Hobbes claimed it as power and appetite. Locke believes that reason is the primary attribute of human nature. Hobbes, on the other hand, thinks that people only care about power and appetite. We want certain things and we want to…

Albert Camus, a philosopher of the twentieth century, claimed that: “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world” (The Tribune). As expressed by Camus, man is depicted as civilized, living in a society of morals and manners, while a beast or animal is considered cruel, coarse, and acts only on instinct. In Life Is A Dream Pedro Calderón de la Barca explores both natures through the hybrid character Sigismund, who begins by embodying a rough filthy nature when he acts maliciously…

Authority and Democracy are both very important factors within society, in regards to the state and the people within society, philosophers such as Plato and J.S Mill both discussed and formed opinions of both authority and democracy. However, both of their views appear to be very different in terms of distribution of education amongst society and the extent of political truth. Throughout this essay, both Plato and J.S Mill’s theories will be explained and analysed to show the differences and…

Walking through a small Indian village Gandhi hears Max Weber and Hannah Arenht debating about politics. Intrigue by the conversation, he decides to join in. Gandhi has been contemplating whether his strategy on non-violence action will appeal to the Indian people, in addition, whether it will have the outcome he desires for India as a future state. India has been under the British Empire and the Indian people feel powerless to take back India. As Mahatma Gandhi is consumed by the suffering…