Western Philosophy: Thomas Hobbes

Study Notes

Explored the concept of self-governance aligned with human nature.
Identified human nature as a struggle for dominance; individuals are inherently selfish and seek power, control, and resources.
Noted that humans would engage in deceitful means to achieve their goals.
Described the "state of nature" as "nasty, brutish, and short."
Advocated for a strong government as necessary to instill fear of punishment, ensuring societal order.
Originated the idea of the pacification process, where individuals regulate impulses due to governmental authority.
Observed that consolidation of small communities into larger entities promotes better trading and living conditions.

Developmental psychology reveals spontaneous altruism, indicating a more prosocial human nature.
Neuroscience research by Jorge Moll found that the reward system activates during charitable actions, demonstrating an inclination toward generosity.
Primatology studies of chimpanzees and bonobos suggest underlying prosocial behaviors in humans.

Contrasted Hobbes by viewing human nature as compassionate and kind, especially in a hunter-gatherer context.
Argued that the development of wealth inequality leads to violence and societal conflict.
Proposed that proper governance should minimize unnatural inequalities among citizens.

Psychological critiques highlight the dangers of generalizing human behavior from limited evidence.
Questions arose regarding individual differences and the complex processes shaping human personality.
Critiques emphasized the need to consider non-essentialist views, where human nature is not predetermined.

Promotes human gentleness and the pleasure in benefiting others.
Observes that infants’ dependence on adults highlights a unique aspect of human nature.
Research (Ryan, Kasser, Sheldon) found that individuals experience the most positive emotions when pursuing altruistic goals.
Emphasizes meditation as a means to uncover insights about happiness, reinforcing altruistic behaviors.

Prohibited chronic dissatisfaction, linked to mental habits affecting well-being.
Advocated for mindfulness to gain control over thoughts and perceptions, moving away from past and future concerns.
Proposed a dual aspect of human nature:
- One perspective views the primary motive as seeking contentment free from worry.
- The second perspective suggests individuals possess "all the seeds" of potentiality, empowering them to achieve various human experiences.