Rousseau And Hobbes Views On The State Of Nature - 2565 Words

The state of nature has been a central discussion in the world of political philosophy for hundreds of years. According to philosophers Thomas Hobbes, this discussion reveals the underlying causes as to why we needed to establish political societies. Jean-Jacques Rousseau felt that this discussion was vital to establishing the causes of man’s misery. Rousseau and Hobbes held similar, yet contrasting views on the state of nature. Hobbes, a conservative, who lived during the 17th century, theorized that human nature is naturally violent and competitive. Rousseau, a liberal, who conducted his work in the 18th century, put forth the idea that the state of nature is largely good and that society is the force that corrupts man. Similarly, both Rousseau and Hobbes’ views appeal to the state of nature as a chapter before political society was formed; yet their theories on the state of nature are contrasting. This paper will compare the similarities and differences between these two theories as well as analyze the effects of these views of the state of nature. Hobbes’ theory on the state of nature is based on the concept of individualism: that the individuals who comprise society are the only factors to be considered when analyzing it. Consequently, Hobbes claimed that men are all selfish and simply concerned with themselves, regardless of the damage that their actions cause to others. This behavior would result in divergence, and ultimately lead to a ‘State of War’ between men.Show MoreRelatedHobbes And Rousseau s Views On The State Of Nature868 Words   |  4 Pagesdifferent views on one central issue. For example Thomas Hobbes, and Jean Jacques Rousseau interpret a Man’s Nature very differently from each other. The discussion over Man’s Nature brings light to Hobbes underlying reason of why people established political societies, and Rousseau’s question of what causes a mans misery? In Hobbes case he believes that Men need to find self-protection in order to shield themselves from men’s n atural state of misery and fear. On the other hand, Rousseau didn’t seeRead MoreHobbes And Rousseau s View Of State Of Nature1486 Words   |  6 PagesFor centuries, many political philosophers used â€Å"state of nature† as the starting point of their theories about society, chief among them Hobbes and Rousseau. Even though both philosophers saw state of nature as the phase prior to formation of societies, Hobbes saw the state of nature as a step to the better phase (a political society ruled by sovereign), while Rousseau saw it as a step to man’s misery. For Hobbes, man’s natural state is fearful and chaotic phase which create the need for an institutionRead MoreRousseau s View On State Of Nature1551 Words   |  7 Pagesargument of the state of nature often comes into discussion. However, two mainstream philosophers Thomas Hobbes and Jean- Jacques Rousseau have similarities, but mostly have multiple different ideas on this theory. Although Hobbes mak es valid points Rousseau s view on state of nature is more realistic then Hobbes. Rousseau’s view on the state of nature is interpreted as a forest, and refers to the â€Å"savage man†. He begins by explaining how he relates man to an animal he states â€Å"when I strip thatRead MoreSimilarities And Differences Between Hobbes And Rousseau965 Words   |  4 Pagesassessment is drawn from the works of Hobbes and Rousseau, whom despite addressing many of the same issues differed greatly on issues such as the state, human nature, and inequality, posing difficulty in telling who among the two represented a better view of those issues. A breakdown of the various works of both Hobbes and Rousseau will assist in examining the similarities and differences in their views on the three issues. To start with, Rousseau is of the view that human beings are not naturallyRead MoreHuman Nature Is Good, And Being A Beast1165 Words   |  5 Pages Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher, and the author of Leviathan. Hobbes declared that human life was â€Å"solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short†(Hobbes, 107). Hobbes felt that the natural state of man was beast-like, and savage. Thus, he felt that it is civilization that influences and challenges humanity from our fundamental wickedness. Within his view, human nature is dangerous; which can only be rescued through culture and community. According to Hobbes, being â€Å"civilized† is good, and beingRead MoreThe Social Contract : Hobbes Vs. Rousseau1457 Words   |  6 PagesThe Social Contract: Hobbes vs. Rousseau Since the beginning of the modern age, governments and states have existed in order to maintain moral law. Essentially these institutions are for the greater good of humanity. However, little thought is ever given to how humans lived without governments. Each and every person in the modern age is born into a state, and becomes a part of that state regardless of their will. The concept that humans are born into a state is derived from the social contractRead MoreThomas Hobbes And Jean Jacques Rousseau1728 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau are both considered Enlightenment thinkers, their ideas vary greatly in the political continuum. Both of their theories have certain components which may appear to be symmetric, but upon closer examination, their differences stem from the very way in which they view human nature. From there, each man builds up to the creation of a commonwealth in a way that reflects which type of government they support. The political the ories of Hobbes and Rousseau share manyRead MoreRousseau s Views On The State Of Nature And Civilization1401 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay, I will compare the contrasting views between Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau based on the state of nature and civilization. Rousseau was seen as an optimist who viewed human nature as good (â€Å"Noble Savage†) and believed that civilization corrupted us; While, Hobbes thought the complete opposite believing that humans in their natural state were selfish creatures purely interested in themselves and that government is imperative in keeping us in check. Throughout this essay, IRead MoreComparison of Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau Essay1092 Words   |  5 Pages Human nature and its relevance in determining behaviors, predictions, and conclusions has caused dispute among philosophers throughout the ages. Political philosophy with its emphasis on government legitimacy, justice, laws, and rights guided the works of the 17th and 18th century philosophical writings of Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Through Thomas Hobbes world-renowned publication Leviathan and Rousseau’s discourses on basic political principals and concepts, each man validated theirRead MoreModern Practices Of Hobbes And Rousseau Core Humanities Paper No1470 Words   |  6 Pagesï ¿ ¼University of Nevada, Reno Modern Practices of Hobbes and Rousseau Core Humanities Paper No. 1 Kimberly Martin CH 202 Joe Taglieber September 22, 2015 Martin !1 ï ¿ ¼Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were philosophers from the 16th and 17th centuries. Hobbes and Rousseau developed theories that explained the development of human nature and how men govern themselves given the circumstances around them. Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau both have become the most influential philosophers of