Thomas Hobbes

Both social contract theorist, Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and John Locke (1632-1704) have similar ideas on the relations between state and its citizens. Thomas Hobbes provides a hypothetical account of the universe before sovereign(s), which is known to be the state of nature. University of Auckland philosopher Davies provides an alternative form to the state of nature, radical state of nature. Davies suggests that in this form, all individuals are in their natural condition and not subject to a…

no government? Thomas Hobbes is one of the most influential European political philosophers that illustrates this question. Western political philosophy has its ties to the common law of the United Kingdom, but few people have knowledge of the “founding father” of our modern political system. Born prematurely in the English county of Wiltshire, Hobbes was raised by his father’s older brother named Francis, who was a wealthy merchant without a family. Being a bright student, Hobbes obtained his…

Hobbes would best undermine my values because in his view, the government’s command is to be obeyed at all times and they can essentially do anything they want. This would be troubling because society would have to obey the governments commands regardless…

In the Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, he discusses the natural condition of mankind and the establishment of the commonwealth through social contract. The necessity of a commonwealth can be justified by the vices of human nature. He claims that in the natural condition, all men have a restless desire for power; thus, life in the natural condition is “nasty, brutish and short” (76). However, an alternative to the natural condition is the establishment of a commonwealth. A commonwealth is necessary…

After the traumatic terror attacks of September 11, 2001, George W. Bush, the president at the time and his administration turn to policies based on the theories of an acclaimed philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The impact 9/11 had on The United States featured Hobbesian based public policy that was soon after implemented into society. Through enforcing laws and policies corresponding to Hobbesian theory, these policies impact civil liberties of citizens, sovereignty, the social contract between the…

The eminent philosopher Thomas Hobbes introduces his interpretation of the state of nature as a place of misery where no law is present, therefore making the citizens ruthless. Man in his state of nature lives in constant fear of death. “The passions that include men to peace are: fear of death; desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living; and hope by their industry to obtain them” (Hobbes 185). People are free to oppress others by claiming what is not theirs, all in the name of…

In both Thomas Hobbes Leviathan and John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government both describe “the state of nature”. However, for both authors the view point on the “natural instincts” humans possess differs in multiple ways. For Hobbes the state of nature deals with the savagery of Americans, lead to criminal activity and involves two natural passions while Locke’s state of nature involves a state of equality. Both Hobbes and Locke’s explanation of state of nature have aspects of natural law,…

To Hobbes, the most direct form of justification for the exercise of power over others lies in man’s existence in the State of Nature. In this state, man is permitted to do what is necessary for his own survival. This implies an overarching right to anything and everything, including the use of one’s power to better himself (and resultingly worsen someone else) in an effort to survive. Under certain circumstances this right to everything, according to Hobbes, is relinquished to escape the State…

that are lack social order. From this perspective, philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Hobbes attempt to explain the nature of humans and the rationality that was involved in giving up some of their freedom to create social structures. These theories, nonetheless differ widely on the basis of the author account and the natural state. This paper seeks to bring to light such differences. Hobbes sets up his argument by describing the state of nature as a horrible state. It’s worth…

Throughout philosophy, there have been many different philosophers with their ideas of how the topic and ideas should be. Two philosophers that have shown this many times are Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Both of them have their ideas and thoughts on the state of nature. What is the state of nature like, and what motives this philosopher to form these ideas, forms or social contracts? In my opinion, I believe that one philosopher have a better point being made, to make sure that there are…