Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, profoundly influenced political thought with his articulation of the social contract theory. Central to his theory is the concept of the ‘state of nature’ – a hypothetical condition of humanity without government. Hobbes posited that this state wouldn’t be idyllic, as envisioned by some other philosophers, but rather a “war of all against all,” driven by fundamental human desires and fears. Understanding how Hobbes believed humans would behave in such a state is crucial to grasping his justification for absolute sovereignty and the necessity of a strong, centralized power to maintain order. This answer will explore Hobbes’s vision of the state of nature and its implications for understanding human predispositions.
Hobbes’s State of Nature
Hobbes’s state of nature isn’t a historical claim about a time when humans actually lived without government. It’s a thought experiment designed to reveal the foundations of political obligation. He argued that humans are fundamentally equal in their capacity to harm one another, and this equality breeds distrust. Crucially, Hobbes believed humans are motivated by a relentless pursuit of power – not necessarily for its own sake, but as a means of self-preservation. This drive, coupled with a natural aversion to death, forms the core of his understanding of human behaviour.
Behaviour in the State of Nature
In the absence of a common power to enforce laws and punish transgressions, Hobbes predicted several key behaviours:
- Constant Fear and Violence: Without a sovereign, life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Individuals would live in perpetual fear of violent death at the hands of others.
- Competition and Distrust: Driven by the desire for power and resources, individuals would constantly compete with one another. Trust would be non-existent, as any display of vulnerability could be exploited.
- Absence of Morality: Hobbes believed that concepts like justice, fairness, and morality are products of social convention. In the state of nature, there would be no basis for these concepts, and individuals would act solely on their self-interest. “Force and fraud are the two cardinal virtues” in this state.
- No Industry or Progress: The constant threat of violence and the lack of security would stifle any long-term planning or investment. There would be no agriculture, commerce, or arts, as these require a degree of stability and trust.
- Formation of Temporary Alliances: While the state is a “war of all against all”, Hobbes acknowledges that individuals might form temporary alliances for mutual protection. However, these alliances would be fragile and prone to betrayal, as each individual would ultimately prioritize their own self-preservation.
Innate Pre-dispositions Revealed
Hobbes’s depiction of the state of nature reveals his pessimistic view of innate human predispositions. He believed that humans are inherently self-interested, power-seeking, and driven by a fear of death. These aren’t learned behaviours, but rather fundamental aspects of human nature. He didn’t believe humans were necessarily *evil*, but rather that their natural inclinations, unchecked by a strong authority, would inevitably lead to chaos and violence. The need for a sovereign, therefore, isn’t based on a belief in human goodness, but on a realistic assessment of human limitations.
Hobbes’s argument isn’t that humans *enjoy* violence, but that they will resort to it when their survival is threatened. The state of nature isn’t a celebration of brutality, but a warning about the consequences of unchecked self-interest. It highlights the necessity of social order and the role of government in restraining our natural impulses.
| Human Predisposition | Manifestation in State of Nature |
|---|---|
| Self-Interest | Constant pursuit of power and resources |
| Fear of Death | Perpetual anxiety and willingness to use violence for self-preservation |
| Equality | Distrust and competition, as everyone is capable of harming others |
| Rationality | Formation of temporary alliances, but ultimately prioritizing self-interest |
Conclusion
Hobbes’s state of nature remains a powerful thought experiment for understanding the foundations of political authority. His depiction of human behaviour in the absence of government, while pessimistic, underscores the importance of social order and the rule of law. By highlighting our innate predispositions towards self-interest and fear, Hobbes provides a compelling justification for the necessity of a strong sovereign to maintain peace and security. While modern political thought has moved beyond Hobbes’s absolutism, his insights into human nature continue to resonate and inform contemporary debates about governance and the social contract.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.