Essay about Thomas Hobbes Concept of Natural Law

Thomas Hobbes’ concept of natural law is shown in his theory of the state of nature, the pre-state environment, and consists of two laws: individuals have to pursue a peaceful life, and are allowed to defend their existence by any means possible. This has particular ramifications in the formation of civil society, especially in terms of loyalty, morality and the relationship between man and the leviathan that is the state. Hobbes’ theory has two of flaws in particular – the logic in his theory of the state of nature, and the relationship he expects mankind to have with the state. Hobbes’ theory of natural law is based on the premise that individuals are atomistic, rational, self-centred, and in a perpetual state of conflict and†¦show more content†¦The only time one can withdraw consent from the state is when the state loses the capacity to defend its people, because the law of self-preservation takes precedence to the covenant (both natural laws take precedence over everything else in an individual’s life). It has been asserted that Hobbes’ idea that all men are at war and yet seek peace at the same time is contradictory . Hobbes’ idea of the way desires such as hope of escaping the state of nature and fear of one another impact the formation of civil society is incorrect, because he ignores the way these would more likely encourage a peaceful benevolence in the state of nature than a social contract for self-defence. The same causes he puts forward for war can also bring about peace , and Hobbes’ own theory of reason and the desire for peace would suggest that individuals in the state of nature would in fact establish benevolent relationships and friendships with one another, which would eventually culminate in a civil society. It would seem, then, that a joint effort in the pursuit of happiness and the common good will bring about the greatest happiness possible from the state of nature, because there is otherwise competition and selfishness which can guarantee ha ppiness for a short period at best. A possible argument to this is that the framework of such a pursuit is vulnerable to misconduct onShow MoreRelatedComparison of Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau Essay1092 Words   |  5 Pages justice, laws, and rights guided the works of the 17th and 18th century philosophical writings of Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Through Thomas Hobbes world-renowned publication Leviathan and Rousseau’s discourses on basic political principals and concepts, each man validated their thoughts on human nature and what is required for a successful society within their respective government confines. The distinct differences between Hobbes and Rousseau’s opinions on the natural state of manRead MoreCompare and Contrast the Philosophies of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Karl Marx843 Words   |  4 PagesCompare and Contrast the Philosophies of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Karl Marx In the idea of human nature; origin of state, the nature of government, the rights of regulation can be drawn as the reflection of insightful philosophies of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx. By understanding this within the context of human nature, we can see their ideas play to how they perceive a modern philosophy. Karl Marxs Communist Manifesto illustrates the desire to build a society without economicRead MoreSocial And Political Order : Seat Belt Laws1102 Words   |  5 PagesSocial and Political Order: Seat Belt Laws Social and Political theories aim to define the relationships between government and citizen, and concerns the organization and basis of government. (Merriam-Webster, n.d). In application, the necessity to find a balance between two primary theories becomes apparent. Modern day social and political theories can largely be attributed to ideas of two individuals, Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes believed major government influence was a necessityRead MoreEssay on The Natural Ways of Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau1207 Words   |  5 Pagesother hand, there is not just one concept of human nature, but rather a plethora of concepts surrounding the idea. With the rise of capitalism, social structure is reformed; it is during this rise in the early seventeenth and eighteenth century, that John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau introduce their varying opinions surrounding man in nature. The western philosophers mainly concern themselves with the concept of the soci al contract. Rousseau, Hobbes, and Locke begin with the conceptionRead MoreThe Theory Of Property And Property Rights900 Words   |  4 PagesThe concept of property and property rights is a topic which many philosophers have struggled to describe. The renowned political theorists Thomas Hobbes and John Locke hold vastly different opinions in regard to the concept of property. In 1651, Hobbes outlined his views in his book, Leviathan, where he discusses societal structure and his social contract theory. Almost forty years later, Locke published his Second Treatise of Government, in which he described mankind’s state of nature, and naturalRead MoreThomas Hobbes and John Locke Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesHobbes and Locke John Locke and Thomas Hobbes were famous political Theorists among other things in their time. Hobbes who was born 40 years before Locke had a very different perspective to Locke and both will be examined more through this essay. Even though many of there theories were different in the sixteenth century Hobbes and Locke s theories became closer as the rise of the state and decline of the feudal system brought about the question of authority. Read MoreMachiavelli s On Human Nature1531 Words   |  7 Pages Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes were two modern political theorists who presented new ideas about political organization in the 16th and 17th century. While Machiavelli focused his written works on ideas related to effective governance, Hobbes attempts to explain the necessity of establishing a ruler to maintain peace and stability. Although Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes focused on different aspects of political theory, both thinkers addressed the concept of human nature in their writtenRead MoreThomas Hobbes State of Nature in Leviathan Essay847 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the view Thomas Hobbes presents within the selected passaged in the Leviathan, we live in a narcissistic society where man’s condition is primarily driven by ego and where the achievement of personal goals is deemed paramount. Within the State of Nature that is, outside of civil society we have a right to all things ‘even to one another’s body’, and there would be no agreed authority to ensure the moral grounds of our decisions. Therefore since there are no restrictions and no sharedRead MoreJohn Locke And The Civil War1177 Words   |  5 PagesSauter World History 15 December 2014 People over People John Adams once said, â€Å"Fear is the foundation of most governments.† Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Karl Marx all grew up in a time of war and witnessed the same events that caused them to create their idea of government. Hobbes learned that people are naturally wicked, Locke learned that people all had natural rights. Karl Marx thought that the social order did not matter. All of them concluded that their governmental plan was the mostRead MoreLegal Positivists : Legal Positivism896 Words   |  4 Pages Legal positivism offers a definition of laws as a written declaration made by government officials that have legal power to control certain aspects of society and human conduct (Himma, 2004). Legal positivist recognize all rules, regulations, principles and other forms of law that come from an authorized government body or official (Himma, 2004). But Legal positivist do not recognize laws, principles or any form of law or behavior modifier that does not come directly from an authorized government