Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Thomas Hobbes, a prominent 17th-century English philosopher, profoundly influenced political thought with his work *Leviathan* (1651). Central to his political philosophy is the concept of the “State of Nature,” a hypothetical pre-political condition of humanity. Hobbes famously argued that this state isn’t one of peaceful coexistence, but rather a “war of all against all” (*bellum omnium contra omnes*). This pessimistic view stemmed from his understanding of human nature and the conditions necessary for social order, forming the bedrock of his justification for absolute sovereignty.
Hobbes’s State of Nature
Hobbes’s State of Nature isn’t a romanticized vision of primitive innocence. Instead, it’s a brutal reality dictated by fundamental human characteristics. He posited three primary causes of quarrel:
- Competition: Driven by a desire for gain, individuals compete for scarce resources.
- Diffidence (Distrust): In the absence of a common power to enforce agreements, individuals are insecure and fear being harmed by others.
- Glory: The pursuit of reputation and social status leads to conflict.
The ‘War of All Against All’
According to Hobbes, the equality of ability among humans exacerbates these causes. Even the weakest can pose a threat to the strongest, necessitating constant vigilance. This leads to a perpetual state of insecurity where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Absence of Morality and Justice
Crucially, Hobbes argued that concepts like morality, justice, and property rights are absent in the State of Nature. These are artificial constructs created by a sovereign power. Without such a power, there’s no basis for enforcing contracts or punishing wrongdoing. Each individual is guided solely by self-preservation.
The Role of Natural Rights
While Hobbes acknowledged a “right of nature” – the liberty each individual has to use their power to preserve their own nature – this right is not a moral constraint. It’s simply the freedom to do whatever is necessary for survival. This right is constantly exercised, leading to conflict.
Why it is a State of War, not just potential for war
Hobbes doesn’t merely suggest the *possibility* of war; he asserts it’s a constant state. This isn’t necessarily continuous actual fighting, but a disposition to battle. It’s a condition where every individual views every other individual as a potential enemy, and acts accordingly. The constant threat of violence defines the State of Nature.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Nature | Self-interested, driven by desire for power and fear of death |
| Equality | Individuals are roughly equal in ability, creating insecurity |
| Absence of Law | No common power to enforce rules or protect rights |
| State of Affairs | Perpetual insecurity, competition, and potential for violence |
Conclusion
Hobbes’s depiction of the State of Nature as a State of War is a stark and pessimistic view of human existence. It serves as a powerful justification for the establishment of a strong, absolute sovereign capable of maintaining order and security. While his assumptions about human nature are debated, his analysis remains a foundational text in political philosophy, highlighting the crucial role of government in preventing societal collapse. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary debates about security, 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.