Hobbes Vs Locke State Of Nature

Hobbes vs locke state of nature

Firstly, it is to be noted that the State of Nature was studied in a more contemporary sense so as to lead human existence into a society. The State of Nature in general is the study of the mere existence of human prior the establishment of any structure or society. However, the concept arose not from a mere thought but endless accounts of analyzing the then culture and way of living.

The sense of equality that was shared among men according to Hobbes led the same to become dominant beings continuously trying to stay above the other through different means of power. Therefore, with this arose another notion of Hobbes that is; continuous rage and war among men. Another aspect of Hobbes State of Nature are the three consequences connected to the same; absence of law, justice and property. Hence, it is understandable that with absolute freedom individual security is highly at stake. With no law, there can be no injustice as well and because of the presence of natural rights there is no higher authority than the man for himself. Coming to a different side of the State of Nature put forward by John Locke a comparative analysis of the same with that of Hobbes.

Hobbes believed that in a state hobbes vs locke state of nature no governance, hence war was inevitable.

Works Cited

It is governed by the law of nature on the basis of morality given to individuals by God. This moral sense among the people increases individual security which is absent in Hobbes concept or theory. The study on the State of Nature could be based on a historical fact or a hypothetical situation. Howevernone of those factors matter in the State of Nature of the two philosophers. What is the main highlight of the theory is the assumption of a state of nature where men are conditioned to certain situations and seeking ways to survive through good or bad means.

But in the end how the same leads to an end of this state which can then lead to the establishment of a state. The two philosophers hence, further moved ahead to analyse a government in their Social Contract Theory which will be discussed in one of the upcoming blogs.