Question

Thomas Hobbes view humanity is "A His view on human nature was negative, or pessimistic. life without laws would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

Q1. Why is his view so negative?

Q2. Do you agree with his view? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Unlike Locke who was positive about the state of nature, Hobbes provides a negative account of state of nature in which he suggests that people are nasty, brutal and selfish. People in this state would kill each other and he suggests that a government is necessary to protect people and their properties under a social contract. He was very pessimistic about human nature considering the time period because even hundred years ago, white people were involved in lynching and killing the black people which would mean in the absence of strict laws people would be in their natural state as the animals. People were living like barbarians and killed whoever came along their way for their survival thus, Hobbes bases his reasons under this assumption.

I agree with Hobbes because in the absence of strict laws, people would tend to misuse their freedom and autonomy. People are the product of their environment, thus when there is a controlled environment, people would behave well or they would do whatever they wish no matter whether it harms anyone or not. A social contract thus binds people under laws and regulations.

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