hobbes

whatd thomas hobbes do

made leviathan
and made a social contract theory

main components of thomas hobbes’ contract theory

1. ontology of persons
   

2. state of nature
   

3. laws of nature

ontology of persons

1. - Account of what human beings are essentially like; what motivates human action

   - Self-preservation is a fundamental desire of all individuals
   - There exists a natural equality amongst individuals
   - War between individuals: caused by competition, diffidence (distrust), and a desire for glory
   - Desire for peace: fear of death, desire for commodious living, hope of attaining things by industry

State of Nature

That man without outside authority is completely free and equal, but would live in constant insecurity and danger

Pre-social state of perpetual war of “all against all”.

Life in the state of nature would be: "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

Virtue of Force and Fraud: No objective moral distinctions in the state of nature

Laws of nature

rational principles or rules that individuals can discover through reason, and which guide them to seek peace and preserve life, thus removing individuals from the state of nature

Laws of nature are established when individuals agree to give up their absolute right of nature

Right of Nature – the liberty that each person has to preserve their life using whatever means necessary

Hobbes's Argument

1. Law of nature tells us we must preserve our own life.

2. Natural state of man is a war of all against all.

3. In a state of war we have a right to everything in order to protect ourselves

4. Therefore, as long as the right of nature endureth’ there cannot be security for anyone.

5. Therefore, “Everyman ought to endeavor peace, as far as he has hope of attaining it, and when he cannot, seek and use all the advantages of war.

first 2 laws of nature

1. seek peace and follow it
   

2. Give Up Certain Rights to Achieve Peace

Everyone should be willing to give up some of their natural rights if others are willing to do the same, so all can live peacefully under mutual agreements

What rules ought we to follow and how are they justified?

A rule is moral if it protects things necessary for social living.

It is justified if it makes us cooperate for our mutual benefit.

Why is it reasonable to follow the moral rules?

Because it is to our advantage to do so, and because we want to be able to count on other people to do the same.

When can we break a moral rule?

We are released (to some extent) from following the rules when others fail to follow it.

Does morality have an objective basis?

Morality is a set of rules stemming from reason, if the rules achieves its desired outcomes, then it is right.

Justification of Civil Disobedience according to the social contract theory

1. Our obligation to obey the law is our acceptance to take on certain burdens for certain benefits

2. When we no longer receive benefits but still bear the burdens (e.g. paying taxes, following the law), then we are justified in not obeying the law.