Hobbes:Natural Condition
In The Leviathan, Hobbes discusses numerous themes regarding the structure of society, and the legitimacy of government in such a society. Hobbes examines what society would be like with out government or authority, and also discusses what type of government is best suited for the wellbeing of society. Hobbes’ overarching argument is that society is most stable and functions at its best when under the rule of a sovereign power, which is giving absolute authority. Hobbes lays down the foundation for this argument by taking a deep examination of the human being’s natural condition: how society shapes out without the presence of authority. Although Hobbes’ argument is coherent and for the most part logical, some areas of his thinking are quite controversial.
Hobbes first defines what humans are at their most basic level. He compares human beings to rational machines fueled by their passions as well as reason. He states that humans use this reason to help them acquire happiness, the ultimate goal of man in the state of nature. Closely linked with such happiness is human’s drive to exert their superiority over other people. By this Hobbes suggests that because of this need to assert their dominance over others, it is natural for men to become enemies of one another. Hobbes states that, “In the state of nature we find three principal causes of quarrel: first, competition; secondly, diffidence; thirdly glory”(Hobbes 76). Here Hobbes is saying that without authority, a man’s natural instincts tell him to take whatever he wants, and if another man has something he wants, he is driven to take it by force. Conversely if a person has something that is desired by others, it is instinctual for him to defend it. Also, Hobbes states that an important characteristic of man’s natural condition is his constant yearning for glory. By saying this he suggests that man will always seek ways to affirm his superiority over others. Therefore, Hobbes argues, the natural condition of
Hobbes first defines what humans are at their most basic level. He compares human beings to rational machines fueled by their passions as well as reason. He states that humans use this reason to help them acquire happiness, the ultimate goal of man in the state of nature. Closely linked with such happiness is human’s drive to exert their superiority over other people. By this Hobbes suggests that because of this need to assert their dominance over others, it is natural for men to become enemies of one another. Hobbes states that, “In the state of nature we find three principal causes of quarrel: first, competition; secondly, diffidence; thirdly glory”(Hobbes 76). Here Hobbes is saying that without authority, a man’s natural instincts tell him to take whatever he wants, and if another man has something he wants, he is driven to take it by force. Conversely if a person has something that is desired by others, it is instinctual for him to defend it. Also, Hobbes states that an important characteristic of man’s natural condition is his constant yearning for glory. By saying this he suggests that man will always seek ways to affirm his superiority over others. Therefore, Hobbes argues, the natural condition of