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Human Condition In Thomas Hobbes The Leviathan

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Human Condition In Thomas Hobbes The Leviathan
In The Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes uses a scientific method to analyze humankind. Additionally, he examines natural law, the social and political contracts. The natural condition results in war through desire, but we are able to escape this through seeking peace. By using the social contract, humans can become peaceful. By using reason, Hobbes is able to explain the human condition according to him.
According to Hobbes, the natural condition of humanity results in war for one main reason - desire. The first of these reasons is when multiple men desire the same thing, the natural result is war – “… Competition of riches, honour, command, or other power, inclineth to contention, enmity, and war; because the way of one competitor to the attaining of his desire is to kill, subdue, supplant, or repel the other” (Hobbes 58). This essentially means that men will fight to the death to get whatever it is that they want. Hobbes also points out that all men are equal because even the weaker can …show more content…
Through reason a “Law of Nature” can be discovered. A law of nature is unlike a civil law because a law of nature is inherently known to all. Hobbes deduces that the only way to escape the terror is to seek peace and so the first law of nature was created. The first and most fundamental law is “to seek peace and follow it” (Hobbes 80). In seeking peace, humans will fulfill the natural right to defend themselves. Additionally, humans must give up certain rights to escape the natural condition of humanity. By giving up their rights, they are agreeing to a social contract. This social contract leads to self-preservation and peace. Hobbes created nineteen laws of nature and the basis for them all is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Hobbes believes that by following these laws and the social contract, humans can escape the natural condition of
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