Hobbes' State of Nature

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Questions and Answers

What does Hobbes claim is necessary for the existence of morality?

A belief in a higher moral authority

Mutual respect among people

A common power to enforce laws (correct)

Social contracts among individuals

According to Hobbes, what allows individuals to do anything in the state of nature?

The absence of moral laws

The desire for community

The right of nature (correct)

The fear of being attacked

In Hobbes's view, what defines injustice?

The failure to honor social contracts

Actions taken to survive in a competitive environment

The breach of laws enforced by a power (correct)

The decision to invade another’s property

What does Hobbes suggest about the right to defend oneself?

It can involve invading others if perceived as a threat Signup and view all the answers

What principal motivations does Hobbes identify for attacks in the state of nature?

For gain, for safety, and for glory Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes categorize the state of nature with respect to moral notions?

It lacks concepts of right or wrong Signup and view all the answers

According to Hobbes, why do individuals seek to increase their power?

To protect against future needs and desires Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of Hobbes's idea of the natural right of liberty?

Self-preservation is the highest law Signup and view all the answers

What happens when two individuals desire the same scarce resource?

They compete and potentially become enemies Signup and view all the answers

How does a reputation for strength affect an individual in Hobbes' view?

It makes them less likely to be attacked Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes argue happens in the absence of a common power?

Every person has a right to everything Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes imply about the nature of human beings in relation to power?

Human beings are equally strong and able in their desires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Hobbes's position on moral duty in the state of nature?

It holds no significance as there is no established law Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes suggest about the security of individuals in the state of nature?

No one is completely secure from possible attackers Signup and view all the answers

What rationale does Hobbes provide for why one would attack another in the state of nature?

Attacking is often the most reliable way to fulfill one's desires Signup and view all the answers

What is Hobbes' perspective on the concept of fame in relation to power?

Reputation of power serves as a means of future protection Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes state is the first fundamental law in the state of nature?

Every man ought to endeavor peace as far as he has hope of obtaining it. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes suggest people should approach their rights to possessions in relation to others?

One should give up their right to all things if others are willing to do the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is the negative formulation of the 'golden rule' presented by Hobbes?

Do not do to another what you would not want done to yourself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes believe about the nature of the Laws of Nature?

They are conclusions of reason that govern rational behavior in the state of nature. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Hobbes face regarding individual and collective rationality?

Rationality simultaneously demands both peace and war. Signup and view all the answers

How many Laws of Nature does Hobbes enumerate in total?

Nineteen Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hobbes believe few people can deduce the Laws of Nature?

Most are preoccupied with basic survival needs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes ultimately propose regarding the nature of moral laws?

They are not to be found in the state of nature. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates 'savage man' according to Rousseau?

Self-preservation and pity Signup and view all the answers

How does Rousseau view human progress?

As a dismal and regrettable development Signup and view all the answers

What does Rousseau claim about the state of nature compared to civilized society?

It is preferable to civilized society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Rousseau's impulse to avoid harming others?

Due to a natural aversion to witnessing suffering Signup and view all the answers

What primary conflict does Rousseau identify in the drives of 'savage man'?

It lies between self-preservation and compassion Signup and view all the answers

How does Rousseau perceive the development of the arts and sciences?

As a contributor to moral corruption Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen to the influence of compassion if resources are scarce, according to Rousseau?

It would decrease as self-interest prevails Signup and view all the answers

What is Rousseau's attitude towards a return to the state of nature?

He believes it would be impossible Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason John Stuart Mill gives for justifying the state?

Life in a state of nature becomes intolerable. Signup and view all the answers

According to Locke, under what condition can one come under another person's authority?

Through voluntary consent. Signup and view all the answers

What is Locke's view on the natural state of human beings?

They are naturally free, equal, and independent. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill suggest is necessary for a positive justification of the state?

Acknowledged moral reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What did the fall of the former eastern bloc countries illustrate according to the discussion?

A loss of legitimacy of the state. Signup and view all the answers

What is perceived as a significant problem for the justification of the state?

The lack of consent from the governed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill consider to be wishful thinking regarding enforceable restraints?

That they can exist independently of the state. Signup and view all the answers

How does Locke reconcile individual autonomy with the authority of the state?

By asserting that authority is justified through consent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hobbes' View on the State of Nature

Individuals desiring the same resources that cannot be shared become enemies, leading to conflict aimed at self-preservation.
Even with equal power, the desire for land and resources motivates others to mobilize forces to dispossess individuals of their gains and liberties.
People seek not just immediate satisfaction but also power to secure future desires; reputation for strength can prevent attacks.
Three main motives for aggression in the state of nature include: gain (resources), safety (preventive action against others), and glory (establishing reputation).
Human beings, in seeking happiness, constantly strive to increase their power to access future goods.

The Liberty in the State of Nature

In the absence of a common power, Hobbes asserts there are no moral laws, leading to a lack of right or wrong.
The concept of justice does not apply without a lawgiver; therefore, individuals have complete liberty to do as they see fit for self-preservation, including taking lives.
Hobbes argues that individuals are justified in their actions when defending themselves from perceived threats.
The 'Natural Right of Liberty' allows individuals to act based on their judgment in the state of nature.

Laws of Nature

Hobbes introduces the 'Laws of Nature', fundamental principles to govern conduct even in a state without formal laws.
The first law promotes the pursuit of peace; when peace cannot be achieved, individuals may resort to war.
A second law encourages mutual agreement on rights; individuals should seek equal liberty in society.
The third law emphasizes the importance of keeping covenants and agreements.
Hobbes proposes a total of nineteen Laws of Nature, derived from rational conclusions rather than moral laws.

Tension Between Peace and War

Hobbes suggests rational behavior can result in both war and the pursuit of peace, leading to a duality within human nature.
This contradiction arises from how individual self-preservation often leads to conflict when resources are scarce.

Rousseau's Counterargument

Rousseau argues that human beings possess innate compassion, which contrasts Hobbes' view of the state of nature as inherently conflictual.
He asserts that despite the lack of formal moral laws in the state of nature, individuals tend to avoid harming others because of their natural aversion to suffering.
The tension arises when the need for self-preservation conflicts with compassion.

Justification of the State

The state is seen as a necessary mechanism to avoid the intolerability of life in the state of nature.
John Stuart Mill contends that life without limits imposed by a governing authority lacks worth, prompting acceptance of the state.
Critics of the state, particularly Locke, argue that the state’s authority must be justified through consent, highlighting the natural rights of individuals to freedom and equality.
Locke's perspective presents a challenge for justifying state authority as it must be consistent with the autonomy of individuals.

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Description

Explore Hobbes' perspective on the state of nature, where individual desires for resources lead to conflict and the need for self-preservation. This quiz covers the motives for aggression, the concept of liberty, and the absence of moral laws without a governing authority.