Paper Topic:
Hobbes assumes that people basically seek their own self-interest.How far do you agree with his claim?What evidence is there against it?
THE HOBBESIAN SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679 ) an Englishman is prominent among the three major exponents of the social contract theory . Others include John Locke (1632-1704 ) and Jean-Jaques Rosseau (1712-1778 . The social contract theory is a theory that describes the human state of nature . This theory goes to give basis on how human beings forfeit their individual sovereignty for a general will (popular sovereignty . This general will led to the formation of the political institution called `State . The social contract theory goes ahead to contradict and displace the divine theory origin
of state , which trace the creation of state to God . The basis of the social theory is that state is a creation of men through a social contract to which they had all consented
Thomas Hobbes version of the Social contract theory sees human existence in a state of anarchy where `dog eat dog ' and high level of lawlessness exist . According to Hobbes , the human life is nasty , brutish short-lived , and a threat to human existence . Chaos and mayhem reign supreme in human state of nature . This brought about the need to human being to come into a contract by submitting their individual freedom for the popular sovereignty . In return , the popular sovereignty , which is the state , will protect the lives , and property of the people
For a better execution of the social will , Hobbes posited that there should be an all-powerful authority , called the Leviathan , who should be given the sovereignty of the state , and the power to control and protect the people . The state of nature describe man as weak and lawless , who cannot protect themselves , it is the Leviathan that will through the social contract execute the popular sovereignty on behalf of the people The Leviathan is described as a Monster with great influential power and authority . Assuming , having the state sovereignty to execute the state will . The type of social contract theory painted by Hobbes is more liking to a monarchical rule . This was the practice during his days in England
The Hobbesian Social Contract describes human ability to compromise their freedom for the Popular Sovereignty . There is entering into a contractual agreement , which requires a consideration from both parties Thus , on one hand is the submission individual will of the people to the popular sovereignty , and the security and protection the State gives to the people on the other hand . The agreement to live in `polis a human community guided by sound social judgment is ensured in this instance Though this sovereignty is not collectively owned by the people as proposed by Locke , but should be passed unto the Leviathan in Hobbes social contract . Thus , each party has a role to play in term of political obligation . The people are expected to pay tax to the state In addition , the state in return is to cater for the security , provision and distribution of the state scarce resources (Oyediran 1998
WHAT THE SOCIETY WOULD BE IF THIS HOBBESIAN THEORY IS REAL
The Hobbesian state...
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