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What Is Hobbes Appetite For Power

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Hobbes starts by laying out a set of definitions. The reason for this, as he explains later, is that an argument without definitions and step by step logical analysis is nothing, but an opinion only. Man, according to Hobbes, has an insatiable need for power. Power, he says, is of two kinds: natural and instrumental. The former includes the faculties of the mind and body, whereas the latter depends on acquired traits or characteristics like friends or wealth. Hence, power is a means to an end. Worth is defined as the measure of power, and worth generally recognized is called dignity. To ascribe high worth to someone is honor him, and vice versa. Because worth, dignity and honor are all born out of the concept of idea power, appetite for power is central to man’s nature. …show more content…

It is this fear that forces humans to look for peace. This meeting between power and fear to ensure peace is what Hobbes refers to as manners. What Hobbes aims to suggest, however, is the best point on the precarious fine line between fear and power that will actually ensure the peace that is longed and sought. Hobbes blames it on the lack of philosophical reasoning. Relying on custom or religion as to the true cause of something is the prime problem. Peace, without scientific reasoning will be fragile. Hobbes claims to possess the truth, which is Christianity. Therefore, he considers looking for causes of natural events in religion problematic, because lack of knowledge breeds fear and birth of false religions, angels and demons. In other words, ignorance leads to fanciful creations. Philosophy based on science, on the contrary, will teach us how to achieve stable

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