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Questions and Answers
What does Hobbes believe about the nature of humans?
What does Hobbes believe about the nature of humans?
- Humans possess inborn moral instincts.
- Humans are inherently greedy and violent. (correct)
- Humans are naturally peaceful.
- Humans are inherently altruistic.
According to Hobbes, a social contract is unnecessary for a peaceful society.
According to Hobbes, a social contract is unnecessary for a peaceful society.
False (B)
What is the role of a sovereign in Hobbes' social contract theory?
What is the role of a sovereign in Hobbes' social contract theory?
To enforce the contract and punish those who default.
Hobbes believes that without a social contract, society exists in a state of _____.
Hobbes believes that without a social contract, society exists in a state of _____.
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
What must individuals cede in exchange for protection according to Hobbes?
What must individuals cede in exchange for protection according to Hobbes?
Hobbes encouraged the involvement of institutions such as the church in state power.
Hobbes encouraged the involvement of institutions such as the church in state power.
What is Hobbes’ view on compliance with the social contract?
What is Hobbes’ view on compliance with the social contract?
According to Hobbes, what type of government is necessary to prevent chaos and violence?
According to Hobbes, what type of government is necessary to prevent chaos and violence?
Hobbes believed that the state of nature is a peaceful and orderly condition.
Hobbes believed that the state of nature is a peaceful and orderly condition.
What is the purpose of the social contract in Hobbes' philosophy?
What is the purpose of the social contract in Hobbes' philosophy?
According to Hobbes, in the state of nature, individuals are free to act as they please without any form of ______.
According to Hobbes, in the state of nature, individuals are free to act as they please without any form of ______.
Match the following concepts with their definitions in Hobbes' philosophy:
Match the following concepts with their definitions in Hobbes' philosophy:
What do individuals surrender in the social contract according to Hobbes?
What do individuals surrender in the social contract according to Hobbes?
Hobbes believed that it was justified for subjects to rebel against their sovereign power under any circumstances.
Hobbes believed that it was justified for subjects to rebel against their sovereign power under any circumstances.
What does Hobbes mean by calling the state of nature a 'dissolute condition of masterless men'?
What does Hobbes mean by calling the state of nature a 'dissolute condition of masterless men'?
What is the primary condition of humanity without laws, according to Hobbes?
What is the primary condition of humanity without laws, according to Hobbes?
According to Hobbes, life in the state of nature is characterized as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
According to Hobbes, life in the state of nature is characterized as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
What do people generally have a strong desire to preserve according to Hobbes?
What do people generally have a strong desire to preserve according to Hobbes?
Hobbes believes that without laws, there can be no ______, as it relies on security and cooperation.
Hobbes believes that without laws, there can be no ______, as it relies on security and cooperation.
Match the concept with its description:
Match the concept with its description:
Which of the following is NOT one of Hobbes' empirical normative assumptions?
Which of the following is NOT one of Hobbes' empirical normative assumptions?
Hobbes asserts that fear is a minimal motivator for human behavior in the state of nature.
Hobbes asserts that fear is a minimal motivator for human behavior in the state of nature.
According to Hobbes, what happens to human activities like industry and navigation in a state without laws?
According to Hobbes, what happens to human activities like industry and navigation in a state without laws?
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Study Notes
Human Nature and Governance
- Hobbes posited humans are inherently greedy and violent, lacking inborn morality.
- Reason and fear can redeem human nature, necessitating a social contract for safety and property.
- Without a social contract, society would fall into a state of nature, characterized by chaos and conflict—referred to as a "war of all against all."
- Life in the state of nature is depicted as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
The Social Contract
- Individuals must surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for protection.
- The social contract creates a governing body to enforce laws and maintain order.
- Peaceful coexistence requires individuals to accept the authority of a supreme ruler, who is outside the contract.
- Hobbes warned that governments, except absolute ones, are susceptible to breakdown and civil war.
The Role of the Sovereign
- A supreme sovereign must enforce the social contract and retain power to punish defectors.
- Citizens should never challenge or rebel against the sovereign authority.
- Establishing the legitimacy of absolute monarchy is a key aim for preventing chaos.
The State of Nature
- Hobbes' concept of the "state of nature" describes a lawless society where individuals act solely on personal will.
- Absence of a governing authority results in a chaotic environment jeopardizing lives and property.
- Essential security is deemed necessary for social cohesion and civilized living.
Empirical Normative Assumptions
- Individuals share similar physical and mental traits, preventing anyone from being invulnerable.
- There exists an intrinsic human desire to avoid death and preserve life.
- People have limited altruism, often displaying partiality towards themselves and their interests.
Philosophical Reflection
- Hobbes questioned whether society could function without laws and regulations, prompting discussions on the necessity of governance.
- The idea of a social contract highlights the transition from chaos to structured society, underlining the importance of authority in maintaining order.
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