Thomas Hobbes

4 Pages 1118 Words

Thomas Hobbes believed that the origin and structure of human society could be explained according to the theory that all reality consists of matter in motion. There are certain basic truths relating to human nature that can be deduced from the facts of civil (political) society. “Hobbes contends that political society arose because the drive of self-preservation caused human begins to leave the perilous “state of nature” and form a “social contract” that tranfers their individual rights to sovereign power that can protect the lives of all ” (Stumpf, 473-4). Hobbe’s political philosophy is the best theory to prove that man is still with the state of fear today.
The State of Nature. Hobbes relates the state to an organism and suggests each part of the state parallels the functions of the human body. For hobbes, humans are the creators of the state. Thus, every action we perform, in the absence of social condition, no matter how charitable or generous, is ultimately done for self-serving purposes. Hobbes examplifies, if he were to give to charity that he is actually taking delight from the contribution and demonstrating his power (****). Humans are essentially equal both mentally and physically; therefore the weakest person has the strength to out do the strongest person. Given our equality, there are situations in nature that potentially force us to quarrel. Hobbes believes there are three natural causes of quarrel; (1) Competition for limited reserves, (2) Distrust in one another, and (3) Glory insofar as people remain hostile to preserve their power (*****). Given these instances humans are naturally in a state of constant war against all, where everyone lives in constant fear.




In such condition, there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain; and consequently no culture of the earth, no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be imported by sea; no commodious building, no inst...