...Theorists in the Enlightenment era such as Hobbes and Locke began to apply concepts of reason to all functions of society. Politics and the role of government had a major impact on theorists like Hobbes and Locke. In this paper, I will focus on what is the difference between Hobbes and Locke in regards to the role of government? And why are their theories important to today’s government? To respond, I will be arguing that Hobbes and Locke have two completely different views on how governments should be run; Hobbes focuses on authoritarian regime and Locke’ main idea is there should be a civil society. To answer the latter, I will analyze Hobbes’s theory of government with today’s government and I will also analyze Locke’s Theory of government with today’s government. Thomas Hobbes believed in a form of government in which people were controlled by an absolute ruler (Leviathan). For Hobbes, he believed that all human beings were naturally selfish and cruel; he believed that the State of Nature is short, poor and disorderly (Lecture). People in the State of Nature pursue their self-interests (material gain and personal safety), and this will lead to human beings to make enemies and create conflict (Lecture). Therefore, without government there will be no control over humans and life would be disorganised. In his eyes, a ruler is necessary for a state to thrive and flourish, without a leader, society would be chaotic (Leviathan). In this type of government, people would need to...
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...Assignment ON Comparison and Contrast Between Two Political Thinkers: Thomas Hobbes and John Locke Abstract The Social Contract theory which dominated the European political thought in the eighteen century has played a very important part in the development of the modern political theory and practice. Being the most important of all the speculative theories, it came into being as a result of reaction against the theory of the Divine Origin. This theory was the first to denounce the influence of the church in the state affairs, provided an explanation for the origin of the state and shows the relationship between those who governs and those who are governed. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are the chief exponents of the Contract Theory. Both of them have established their thesis from the beginning of human habitation, though their ideas and opinions are quite distinct. Hobbes in his theory has only described one contract where Locke has described two. Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan” and John Locke’s “Two Treaties on Civil Government” these books are considered as bibles in the evolution of modern states system. Though there are criticisms and debates regarding the social contract theory, but the modern political theories today have evolved from these contract theories which has no doubt. The aim of this assignment is to compare and contrast between Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and explore their contribution in the development of international relations according to the analysis...
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...James Wells 12/11/14 Hobbes vs. Locke This paper will compare and contrast the views of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke expressed in Leviathan and Second Treatise of Government. The paper will show the basic differences between the two philosophers views, is Hobbes' distrust of the people and Locke's relatively greater trust of the people and distrust of the government's power and the likelihood of the abuse of that power. Hobbes' view in Leviathan aims at ensuring civil order, which means for him the absolute power of the government, or the Leviathan, which power the people have given him through the social contract. Locke, on the other hand, keeps much more power in the hands of the people through the legislature, which means, in effect, majority rule. Locke was also deeply concerned with maintaining the rights of the people, especially the right to own property. Locke's political view produces a much more democratic system, while Hobbes' produces a much more authoritarian, if not totalitarian, system. Both Locke and Hobbes start their political analysis with reference to the state of nature. However, their definitions of this state of nature stand in stark contrast to one another. The differences on their perception of the state of nature correspond to the final conclusions of what is important in a civil society. The contrasting perceptions of the state of nature on the part of these two philosophers are crucial, because they use those perceptions as the foundations for...
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...Thomas Hobbes and John Locke share similar but different views in regards to the “state of nature”. They both believe that man is created equal and take the similar stance that there should be a governing body to execute laws that have been placed upon citizens. Hobbes appears to believe that if people are left to themselves, people will only think of themselves, are not trustworthy and are constantly concerned about death at the hands of others. Locke seems to believe that even though people may only be concerned about themselves, that logic keeps people from selfish behavior. Hobbes overall view in the stat of nature is that it turns in a war based on people's self centered and violent impulses. Hobbes believed that “every man is an enemy...
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...Hobbes versus Locke: State of Nature and Legitimacy By David Feinman In the study of political theory and the analysis of the role of the sovereign in western society, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are two of the most in fluential figures. Their philosophies on the way in which man lived before forming societies have be en the backbone of the discussion of the state of nature and the legitimacy of the sovereign for ma ny centuries. Hobbes, seeing the natural world as a nasty, brutish place of perpetual war, sees the legitim acy of a sovereign as being unquestioned and that of a paternal figure that instills order in a world without law or reason. Locke, in opposition, views the state of nature as a peaceful place where man can enjoy equa lity and liberty, and he believes that a sovereign’s legitimacy comes from the consent of the people whom he serves and protects, and who can remove him from power when he ceases to do so. This essay analy zes the differing opinions on the idea of a state of nature in Hobbes’ Leviathan and Locke’s The Second Treatise of Government , and how those views influenced their ideas on the legitimacy of the sovereign. In terms of the state of nature, Hobbes a nd Locke see two very different worlds. In Leviathan , Hobbes sees the state of nature as a perpetual state of war “where every man is Enemy to every man.” 1 Without “a common Power to keep them all in awe, th ey are in the condition wh ich is...
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...Thomas Hobbes was born April 5, 1588 and died December 16, 1679. John Locke was born August 29, 1632 and died October 28, 1704, They were both English philosophers. The second Treatise of Government is by John Locke and the Leviathan is by Thomas Hobbes. Leviathan is Hobbes argument about social contract theory of government. Hobbes idea commonwealth is ruled by a sovereign power responsible for protecting the security of the commonwealth and granted absolute authority to ensure the common defense. Hobbes a word derived from the Hebrew for “ sea monster” and the name of a monstrous sea creature appearing in the bible. Leviathan is divided into four books: of man, of common-wealth, of a christian common-wealth. Book 1 contains the philosophical...
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...How successful were Hobbes and Locke in their attempts to justify the existence of Human Rights? In this essay, the main distinctions of Hobbes and Lock’s work will be discussed and how their work contributed to the existence of human rights. Other predominant thinkers, such as Bentham and Marx will be brought in to critically evaluate Hobbes and Lock’s attempts on human rights. Finally a conclusion will be drawn upon these points to state whether Hobbes or Locke was Successful to justify the existence of human rights or whether there were any flaws in their thinking. “Human rights are the rights that everyone has, and everyone equally, by virtue of their very humanity. They are grounded in an appeal to our human nature.” (R.T Vincent, human rights and international relations, page 13). Human rights are a concept that has been constantly evolving throughout human history. They had been intricately tied to the laws, customs and religions throughout the ages. One of the first examples of a codification of laws that contain references to individual rights is the tablet of Hammurabi, which was created 4000 years ago, it is considered barbaric by today's standards, the system of 282 laws created a model for the legal system. This kind of model and legally binding document protects the people from arbitrary persecution and punishment. The...
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...Thomas Hobbes believed that humans were naturally driven by fear, greed, violence, and self-interest. Humans were led by extreme individualism. This was dangerous as it led to the inability to co-exist peacefully. Hobbes argued that it was dangerous to allow society to be free and that in order to be secure, society had to relinquish their individual liberties. As a result, he suggested a government in which society would give up their freedoms to an individual who would then be responsible for its security. In essence, Hobbes wished for a dictatorship. John Locke believed that individuals were rational, intelligent, and reasonable. If given the ability to think for themselves, they would be able to distinguish right from wrong. As a society,...
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...the author of the Two Treatises of Government. The ideas throughout these were written as a critique of England’s current form of government at that time. The First Treatise was more of an assessment of another philosopher during that time, Robert Filmer. Filmer believed that each man was naturally born a slave to those with absolute authority; for example, Adam, as in Adam and Eve, had absolute control over not only his children, but all of the children who came from those who succeeded Adam as well. This is because Adam’s power and control was appointed from God, who was the absolute king in this situation. Locke disagreed with this theory stating instead that every man had the ability to govern himself. A king does not have absolute power as those powers are limited by the rights given to the individuals. The Second Treatise, then, began the critiquing of government. Locke argues that sovereignty is placed into the hands of the people. People are said to be equal and invested with natural rights. In his “state of nature,” natural law governs the behavior of the citizens and each person has the right to execute that law against someone who infringes on their rights. Locke’s model consists ultimately of a civil state that is based upon the natural rights common to a people who welcome power to protect their property and liberty. If a government ceases to function for the people’s benefit or in their best interest,...
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...slavery was the key to our society. There was also an english philosopher go by the name of Thomas Hobbes, his beliefs about society was that every man was naturally equal. His belief of society are humans coming together and living in peace. John locke was also an english philosopher. He agured that everyone have rights, such as life, liberty, and property. His thoughts were that men were born free and naturally equal. Each of these philosophers have their own beliefs of natural law but in this case, laws will be laws. In the beginning of civilization, there was three important philosopher, each had a different perspective about the laws of nature. To each person they are right, but also wrong in some cases. Aristotle, who believe that society should have slavery, why? Because Aristotle say "rulers will be rulers and men shall be slaves" (Reading). To him it's natural, you naturally become slaves or you naturally become a ruler or master. Society can only do so much as slavery took over civilization. Mr. Thomas Hobbes, what would civilization do without him. His beliefs are straight forward, every man were born equally. He said that there is no natural law, as time comes for war, every man is for himself. A man will be your enemy, the only security that you would have is your own strength. No man will be your ally, you will have no friends and therefore no society. John Locke, the man that believe there are two treatises of government. For him it is the state of nature that...
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...York 4 Unequivocally, Locke felt that it was important to inaugurate a borderline by which the ruler, or government, no longer commanded an individual’s beliefs, or lack thereof, in true religion. Furthermore, he vehemently denied that churches should have any dictated powers over their memberships, which vividly deviated from Hobbes initial philosophical ideology. Hobbes originally introduced his theory, that the only true form of government was absolute monarchy and while this contrasts complexly with Locke’s philosophy, both have their pluses and minuses. Resulting, Man created a government based on Hobbes theory that man needed order to prevent crime and maintain order, which is accurately successful to a point. Clearly, man needed government...
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...Contract Theory of John Locke Shannon Roundtree June 23, 2014 Patricia DeAngelis Differences of the Social Contract Theories There were three critical thinkers who played a major role in creating the concept of the social contract theory. The overall concept of this theory was to see how individuals could survive in a world regulated by laws and government. Each of these individuals had different perspectives on the state of nature. Thomas Hobbes’ view was that man was fearful and selfish. He believed that man desired a sense of security and order. If man wanted to have a sense of self-preservation and protection, they needed to enter into a social contract and surrender their rights and freedom. In other words, a government was created to regulate their lives. Thomas Hobbes also believed that individuals were free to take whatever they wanted and be greedy, and resolve disputes with war. John Locke’s view was different than Thomas Hobbes as he believed no individual has any power over the next and everyone has the freedom to do what they want. John Locke also believed that if an individual committed a crime, they needed to be punished. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that the government should adhere to the freedom of all individuals, but with constraints. His views were that individuals could not be free in modern society like they could be in a state of nature if property and laws existed. Key Principles of John Locke’s Social Contract Theory John Locke viewed the state...
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...1. According to Hobbes, the absolute sovereignty is the best form of government for man. He also describes the state of nature as a state of war of everyone against everyone. (pg310) Everyone would be looking out for themselves and making sure they were safe and provided for. The idea that there would be no such thing as just or unjust cannot be true and would not work. Murder, theft, or assault would still be “unjust” but would not be properly handled since there is no authority. People will take it amongst themselves to handle the situation and apply their own justice to the offender. It would be chaotic since there is no regulation to any of the punishments. Since there would be wars nonstop with everyone wanting to come out as the victor,...
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...After the English Civil War royal power may have won France, but the theme of revolution arose. During the glorious revolution, James II caused problems by appointing Catholics to high office and this caused parliament to scare him off. But before a new leader could take the throne the English Bill of Rights was passed. The Glorious Revolution turned England into a limited monarchy, which means that the Parliament limited the monarch’s power. Hobbes was a supporter of the limited monarchy. The English Bill of Rights solved many problems such as Parliament being constantly involved with government decisions. Also the house of commons was now in charge of all...
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...developmental thought | Externalism, Internalism, Empiricism, Rationalism, Constructivism, Infinitism, Foundationalism, Coherentism, Skepticism | Aristotle, Plato, Spinoza, Locke, George Berkeley, Immanuel Kant. (with all the questions I think we can attribute some Socrates also) | Focused on the analysis of the nature of knowledge; how do we know what we know, why? How is knowledge acquired? What makes justified beliefs justified? | Metaphysics | Metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and body, substance, and accident, events, and causation (Johnson, 2008). | Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity is considered by many to be based in metaphysics but was adopted into physics because of its significance (Howie, 1997). | Cosmology, Ontology, Natural Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Mind, Perception | Aristotle, Plato, George Berkeley, Anne Conway, Oliva Sabuco de Nantes, Benedictus de Spinoza, Émilie du Châtelet, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes | The study of existence; Natural Theology – study of Gods, nature of religion, what is the divine? Universal Science - what are the first principals and how do they interact with being? | Moral | The philosophical study of moral judgments—value judgments about what is virtuous or base, just or unjust, morally right or wrong, morally good or bad or evil, morally proper or improper. | Looking at humans, how ethics should be applied through historical precedence? Movement from Greece to modernity...
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