thomas hobbes
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human nature
self-knowledge
introspection tells us a great deal about what human being are like:the nature of their thoughts,hopes and fears.
the other is knowledge of the general principles of physics
definition of power
It obtain some future apparent Good
assured of achieving felicity one must become powerful
example:riches,reputations,friends,fear of power after power
build the state:why?
humans can never reach a state of complete satisfaction
human cannot assure the power and means to live well
state in nature:war
everyone attempt to increase power,it will lead to competition.But competition is not war.
natural equality:human being has the capacity to kill any other.
relative scarcity of resources:two people desire the same thing will often to possess the same thing.but they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies.
no one can become the invulnerable being in the war,and no one cannot be free from fear.
people will attack other to gain a reputation of strength as a means of future protection.
three principal reasons for attack in state of nature:for gain,safety and glory
felicity
secure felicity will bring us to war in the state of nature.
but without a state,the search for felicity would lead to a war of all against all.
our fear of death would bring human beings to create a state.
people seek not only the means of immediate satisfaction,but also power in order to satisfy whatever future they will have.
outlook:morality
there would be enough people with a moral sense to stop the rot spreading and prevent the immoral minority from bringing us to a general war.
QUESTION:Can we make sense of the ideas of morality in a state of nature?Is sufficient motivation to override the temptation to invade other for their good?
hobbes seems to deny that there can be a morality in state of nature,because everyone can against everyone,the notion of right and wrong have no place.
there is no common power,each person has the liberty to use his own power for the preservation of his own nature.
natural right of liberty
people in the state of nature have the right to defend themselves
no one could reasonably be criticized for any action they take to defend themselves
law of nature
2.lay down your right when others do.
1.to seek peace and follow it when one has hope of obtaining peace.
3.perform whatever covenants you make.
it is not moral laws.It is the best chance of preserving his own life.It tells us it is rational to seek peace.
we should distinguish between individual and collective rationality.
