Hobbes's View of Human Nature and His Vision of Government
Document Type:Thesis
Subject Area:Management
Hobbes's Theory of the State of Nature Hobbes begins with imagining life, not in a "state of nature. " The state of nature is an imaginary state of a world without governments. Thomas Hobbes's beliefs on human nature are pretty simple. All humans are identical when it comes down to the primary motive of survival. In the state of nature, a feeling of mistrust develops when people have the power to kill each other. As machines, human beings pursue delight and stay clear of discomfort. They mechanically do this. He looked at society as a machine, too, just a larger one than humans but as artificial as them. The machine of society functioned on the laws of motion and collision. The discoveries of the laws of planetary motions of Kepler and Galileo affected Thomas Hobbes's views.
Thomas Hobbes believed that the urge to protect one's life is very powerful in humans. Everybody avoids and hates death. Humans might be affectionate but are also very limited in that. Hobbes believes that humans question their surroundings. They are also anxious regarding the future. In the state of nature, there is a constant situation of war. Here, humans are perpetually living in fear. This fear is of other humans. When backed by humans' ability to reason, fear motivates them to establish peace in society. Humans can be at peace only when they establish a social contract collectively. ' Hobbes based his explanations of emotions and behaviors on these definitions. The prospect of achieving something good is hope. The realization that something good may not be achieved is fear.
But he accepted that these are solely applicable for men who are beyond the bounds of society and law. There are rules by which actions are deemed as good or evil. His previous work also holds these statements and beliefs. In his book, Leviathan, he discusses the correct form of government. Absolutist monarchy. This belief stems from his attempt at determining the base of social construction. This social construction would free from the threat of demolition from within. It is the one sure way to prevent society's disbandment. It will also ensure a peaceful community. The supreme authority must have the power to set laws and head the church. It would also resolve any philosophical disagreements. Hobbes believes that all powers are interlinked.
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