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Compare and contrast Hobbes' and Locke's account of the state of nature - Essay Example

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Hobbes and Locke on State of Nature: A Compare and Contrast Paper [Name of Student] [Name of Instructor] [Name of Course] [Date] Hobbes and Locke on State of Nature: A Compare and Contrast Paper Introduction: The aim of this paper is to critically analyze human nature, formation of common wealth and freedom through the lens of differing theories of Hobbes and Locke…
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Compare and contrast Hobbes and Lockes account of the state of nature
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This means that the conclusions formed by traditional theories of natural law could not be applied to a larger frame of society. In this regard, the only thinker who came with an opposite view was Thomas Hobbes. He maintained that humans are not animal natured. In particular, humans are sophisticated systems which can be further discussed in a cause and effect manner. As it notes, “For such is the nature of man, that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; Yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves: For they see their own wit at hand, and other mens at a distance (Hobbes, 1651, p. 159).” It becomes easy to understand that Hobbes believed that each and every action that is undertaken by human is aroused due to a number of mechanical processes which are noted in human body.

These actions or functions being taken in a human body can only be understood with the help of core systematic design. This includes nervous system, breathing system etc. that causes a human being to feel sensation and exhale when in fear respectively. Hobbes in his book Leviathan exclaimed that pain and fear are caused when there is an internal appetite to feel it. The nervous system, in particular, provokes a human to understand his or her need regarding asking for something that can allow him with self-satisfaction.

On the other hand, John Locke has provided a very easy to understand viewpoint regarding human nature. Hobbes have understood human nature in a very systematic manner that goes in the flow to raise a point that human are not animal natured. Locke has given a logic regarding human nature stating that humans are basically depending on the mobility and solidity. In simpler words, it can be said that humans are creations by God. This is rather a very strong statement that notes God to be the sole owner of humans if considered as property.

It is basically that stance of God towards human where they are given a free path to exercise their liberty and take actions against or for their health. Locke has marked that humans basically tend to build their environment out of rationality. This is the major difference between the thinking processes of both the sociological theorists (Hobbes and Locke). Locke also mentioned that all humans are in a concert to achieve higher and grasp the finest as per their own participation to a political community.

Formation of Common Wealth Formation of common wealth as a notion explained by Hobbes maintains that humans can never co-exist in a society. It is due to this reason that there needs to be a system above all that will record their behaviors and put limits. Hobbes has discussed his view of formation of common wealth by contrasting it to animal kingdom. He stated that animals are able to live together society without any sovereign power that is able to record their behavior and systemize their behaviors.

There can never be a strong government to be implemented within a human society. This is why humans are meant to remain in an agonized state (Hobbes, 1651). There are mainly three aspects that have caused the humans to get aware of their ability to form common wealth. It states with the competition that is among all humans despite understanding the need of being with each other. Secondly, it is the diffidence which is considerably a major reason for which

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