Comparison of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke
Introduction
Ideas and theories given by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke can be seen parallel on many grounds however a clear distinction appears on their notions on social contract, their apparent notions of human nature, the way both the philosophers relates these notions with their social contract theory?
This paper will critically evaluate the viability of notions of both the philosophers and the level these correlations of notions with their social contract theory can be implemented?
View under consideration
This paper focus upon the views of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke on notions of social contract and state of human nature.
Social Contract Notions
The theory proposed by Thomas Hobbes propose that
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Notions on state of human nature
Thomas Hobbes explains the state of human nature that human beings are by nature made equal, in a sense that human’s possess are equal in terms of skills and strength.
“The weakest has strength enough to kill the strongest, either by secret machination or by confederacy with others” [ ]. According to his view people live in a constant fear like in the state of war not necessarily fighting but with the intention to fight and take preventive measures against each other. He writes that “during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war as is of every man against every man"”
Hobbes support the view that Humans are necessarily and exclusively self-interested. All men live a way what they perceive to be in their best interests. Everything humans are directed towards, is motivated solely by their desire and hence they satisfy as many of their desires.
According to Hobbes gain, safety, and glory or reputation appears to be primary motives behind these desires which creates a ground for humans to act in their best perceived
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He believed that people improve themselves on the basis of experience they learn in their lives. As reasonable beings, they had the natural ability to govern their own affairs and to look after the welfare of society. Locke criticized absolute monarchy and favored the idea of self-government.
John Locke describes human nature as Man is by nature a social animal. According to Locke, state of nature is not same as state of war. Every one living here is not free to do any things. One has to follow morals and therefore not harm others with regards to their life, health, liberty, or possessions. The people living in this state are equal and therefore equally bound by state of nature to avoid any harms to