Justice

Hobbes' View on Human Nature and Society

• Hobbes argues that in the absence of a common power or authority, humans exist in a state described as a 'war of every man against every man.'

  • This situation implies constant conflict, distrust, and chaos among individuals.

  • Key characteristics of this state include:

    • No place for industry, culture, navigation, or building.

    • Lack of time for art or the advancement of society.

    • Perpetual fear and danger, leading to violent death.

    • Hobbes famously describes life in this condition as:

      • "Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

The Laws of Nature According to Hobbes

• Hobbes outlines that the laws of nature can be derived from human reason and that these laws guide behavior towards peace and mutual benefit.

• The concept of justice is fundamentally rooted in these laws, which can only be upheld through contracts and agreements.

• Key points regarding justice and contracts:

  • Without contracts, there is no justice.

  • Honoring one’s contracts or agreements is essential for just actions and societal order.

• Hobbes identifies four possible interpretations of the laws of nature, reflecting on the foundation of justice and morality.

Discussion on Morality

• There is disagreement regarding Hobbes' view that justice is solely based on contracts.

  • Some assert that injustice can occur even without formal agreements or contracts.

  • The lack of a system to address injustice can lead to its presence, independent of explicit contracts.

• The question of morality is raised, particularly how morality is defined and perceived.

  • Morality involves distinguishing right from wrong and making ethical choices.

  • A critique of moral actions emerges:

    • If one behaves morally only to avoid punishment, this raises questions about the sincerity of that morality.

    • True morality is seen as requiring a motivation beyond mere self-preservation or fear of consequences.