Question

The readings and images come from the book Fiero, Gloria K., The Humanistic Tradition, 7th edition, vol. II.

1) In Discourse on Method (Reading 23.3) how does Rene Descartes prove (at least to his own satisfaction) that the mind and body are separate and distinct from each other?

2) How do Thomas Hobbes and John Locke differ in their views of human nature? Why did each of them believe men create governments? Did you think Adam Smith would agree more with the views of Hobbes or Locke?

Answer 1

Sorry for part 1 of the question, I don't have access to the book stated above. As for part 2, the explanation follows as -

Hobbes view on Human Nature --

Hobbes had said that - "Life of man is continuous search for power after power which only ends with death". Hobbes believed that humans are driven by pleasure and that till the time man is alive, his appetite for pleasure doesn't end. According to him, the means to get pleasure is power and hence there will be a competition for power. This means that if one gains power, the other loses it by the same amount (zero sum game). Hobbes concluded that due to this individualistic nature of man, the other person is always a source of insecurity and discomfort. This leads to his famous saying that the life of man when the state is not present (state of nature) is 'Nasty, Poor, Brutish, and Short'

Hobbes on why men create government -

As seen above, according to Hobbes, man is individualistic by nature. This leads to man being utilitarian. Being, utilitarian, death is the biggest fear for man, as death signifies end of pleasure (life is the source of pleasure). Hence, men create government for the preservation of life. Government is created to ensure the safety and security of men.

John Locke's view on human nature --

Unlike Hobbes, Locke has not taken a pessimistic view of human nature. Rather, he takes a balanced view where although man has desires, he also carries reason. This reason in man governs him to take care of the interest of others in his own self interest. Locke says - “Reason in a man guides him not to harm the other of his life, liberty or possessions". Hence, we can say that Locke has taken an enlightened view of self-interest.

John Locke on why men create government -

Although Locke believes that men have reason, he takes a balanced view where men have passion as well. Due to this, things cannot be left on the goodwill of men. He describes inconviniences as the reason for the formation of government. The government is the common authority which makes, executes and adjudicates law. Locke believes that if there is no law, then there is no liberty.

Adam Smith's Position -

Adam Smith's position would have aligned more with John Locke's view. John Locke is known as the father of Liberalism and Adam Smith belongs to the same school of thought. Whereas in Hobbes' government, all the rights of people are taken in exchange of providing security, Locke believes that man was born with some natural rights of life, liberty, and property. Hobbes' state is an absolutist state with the state having absolute powers. Locke's states is a minimal state where the state performs only those functions granted to it by the people.

Adam Smith is also a believer in full freedom of the market with no interference of the state. Hence, his ideas are formed on the basis of Locke's idea of liberalism and natural rights of man.