Thomas Hobbes

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” nature is a symbol of refuge which is used to establish the novels theme that nature does not judge and welcomes all regardless of their sins. Unlike the Puritan town, nature is a lawless place that does not look down upon others in a condescending manner. Nature exemplifies both a sanctuary and an emotional escape for outcasts such as Hester and Pearl. In the novel, Hawthorne uses nature as a symbol of refuge to establish the novels theme that…

Selflessness is a misleading word. It has two distinct meanings that are often mistakenly interchanged. While one is being able to put other people's needs above one's own whims, the other is being without the ego or the self. While the first is arguably commendable, the other is indubitably contemptible. Being without the self implies being unable to independently judge, act, think or feel. It also implies having to rely on others for every thought, for every idea. Therefore, altruism makes…

Where does the value of a human lie? Does our value increase with our wealth and decrease with our poverty? The value of a human being should not be based on numbers or on anything that falters. We are equivalent bodies on this earth set out to fulfill our own individual purposes. The realization of what our value is and who we are is what categorizes the human race. “To Myself” by W.S. Merwin depicts the life of a man who is of value to other people but has no self-worth. In that case, he…

Varcelus C. Seaton Professor Chapmann HST 102-6 9 November 2017 Kant Paper The cattle from this passage, are the people who go along with the crowd. Cattle, are the people who let others decide things for them, who follows the directions of others and not themselves. They stand in the way of enlightenment because they are too lazy and too coward to be on their own or to step out and follow a path that others do not. The passage describes the cattle stating that, “For any single individua1 to…

Sartre's "Absolute Freedom " is exceptionally insightful and empowering. He provides his views on why he believes that free will exists. Sartre goes on to explain that just because we are free doesn’t mean we get away with doing anything. In fact, he claims that we are responsible for every choice we make. Because of this Sartre claimed that we are “Condemned to be free.” Sartre's views may be viewed as liberating and logical, but our knowledge of the world firmly supports that we may not be as…

Locke and Hobbes are political philosophers, very important in the development of politics and a great influence for modern thought. The two make reference in their texts to the thought in which man exists without government "state of nature", and the risk of it. On the one hand, Locke talks about the benefits that are to come. He believes that men are by nature social animals. And when referring to the state of nature, he points out already existing examples. Meanwhile, Hobbes is quite more…

As one of the most influential philosophers of his times, John Locke's concepts still remain to have a significant impact on current politics. His political theory was based on the concept of self-ownership and he argued the every person has a right to own their property. In addition to this, he believed that the government's main role should be limited to protecting its citizens and their property. Locke was also noted for his writing entitled “Letters Concerning Toleration ” (Locke, 1689) in…

Books of the past can still relate to how society is today. Especially when the book is about political philosophy or political science. Political philosophy is the study of politics, liberty, justice, law, and rights, which leads into why these things are needed, as well as what makes a legitimate government, what rights should or should not be protected and why. Political science is about possessing the knowledge of dealing with systems within a government, the behavior of the government and…

Neubert Philosophy and Society 11/5/17 A Perfect Society, an Association, and a State: Discussing Aquinas, Kant, and Marx A political system, depending on its’ influences, can shape into a different role for its’ individual members. In the lenses of Thomas Aquinas, Immanuel Kant, and Karl Marx, the different societies in question are founded on different bases of beliefs, needs, and perceptions of the individual. The perfect society, association, or state, for its’ members, differs depending on…

John Locke’s political philosophy has had a lasting impact on American political ideology. In chapter 5 of the Second Treatise, "Of Property," Locke traces man's endeavor to make something of himself. Locke believes that “man must earn his way toward self-ownership. This is not merely a matter of rhetorical presentation; it is a theory of human history” (Henry 215). While Locke’s influence on the principles of the Declaration of Independence are highly regarded, his deepest impact on the…