1. What is Hobbes view on equality?
In Hobbes’ book, The Leviathan, he mentioned that all men are equal. In fact, inequality does not naturally exist. Any kind of inequality in the society is the result of several civil laws, not natural laws. Hobbes believes that every man should by nature; recognize each other as equals because nature has made all men equal. In this case, equality must be overcome. This leads to contention. Overcoming equality leads to conflict. Conflicts have three causes which are competition, diffidence, and glory.
2. What is his view on human nature?
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According to Hobbes (2002), human nature is by nature, violent and competitive. Hobbes believes that humans are naturally selfish and concerned with his own self-preservation even if it comes at the price of others. Also, Hobbes believes that humans are rational beings that use their own volition to survive and protect their interests. His view on human nature is based on the concept of “Individualism” where society can be described, defined, and explained in terms of the individuals comprising the society (Hobbes, 2002).
3. What is the state of nature according to Hobbes?
According to Hobbes (2002), the state of nature is a state of war. Because all men are equal, all men have a right to all things. This invites quarrels and conflicts. Hobbes believes in the state of nature in which every man is free to decide for himself what he wants and what he needs. This allows man to act on his own judgment regardless of the effect on his actions to other people. Because the state of nature is a constant state of war, and every person is free to decide for themselves what is right or wrong, life of man is considered ``solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short (Hobbes, 2002).”
4. What is the social contract according to Hobbes?
Hobbes (2002) defines social contract in his work as the ``mutual transferring of right.” It means that in the state of nature where every man has a right to all things, there would be no limitation on every person’s right to natural liberty. In this regard, the social contract is an agreement wherein individuals mutually give up their natural right in exchange of a more peaceful existence. Individuals give up their natural right for a limited right to come up with a peaceful agreement and association.
5. What is Hobbes view on natural law?
Hobbes (2002) believes that every individual, being rational, can see the constant state of war as detrimental to his self interests and self preservation. In this regard, individuals can also agree that peace is favorable so the means to attain peace must be good as well. Hobbes believes that these imperatives of human beings are laws of nature or natural law. This natural law prompts human beings to not treat other in ways that they would not like to be treated. In this way, they are implicitly giving up their natural right for a limited right in exchange for a peaceful co-existence.
REFERENCES:
Hobbes, T. (2002). Leviathan [Kindle Edition]. Public Domain Books.
