Summary
This article summarizes Thomas Hobbes' philosophy on human nature without government, the necessity of government for security, and the concept of the social contract.
Thomas Hobbes' View on Human Nature and Government
Highlights
Human Nature Without Government
Thomas Hobbes characterized life without government as 'solitary, poor, brutish and short.' He believed humans are inherently selfish, competitive, and driven by the fear of death, which would lead to a 'war of all against all' due to unrestricted claims to resources.
The Need for Government
Hobbes posited that a government is essential for societal security and protection to avert the state of continuous conflict inherent in human nature without rule.
The Social Contract
In Hobbes' Social Contract, individuals relinquish their natural rights to an absolute power, such as the 'Leviathan,' in exchange for the ruler providing guaranteed physical safety, law, and order.