The State of Nature in Hobbes´ Leviathan - 1062 Words

In his text, Leviathan, Hobbes argues that the generation of all states ,regardless of what type of state, comes from the need to escape a common fear among all men. In other words, there is generally no great difference between one type of state from the other in terms of the ends that such states seek to achieve. The generation of all states, ,principalities or republics, comes from the common fear of what Hobbes dubs â€Å"the state of nature† (54). The state of nature is essentially life in an anarchic society without a government where every man is free to act upon his own desires, passions, appetites, and aversions without a law to regulate them (43). Life , is thus, a â€Å"war of every man against every man† because the law that prevails is one of self-preservation, survival, and maximization of self-interests (54). The ultimate goal under such a state is to escape it and the only way to do so is through the generation of a social contract between all men. The essence of this contract can be summarized in two points: firstly, that all men give up their equal predisposition to kill one another and/or rule one another. Secondly, that all men transfer their rights and their collective goal of achieving peace and security to a sovereign office that can achieve these goals by upholding the social contract through fear, punishment, and consent (76). It is the mixture of these two points that generates the Hobbesian Leviathan or the state whose head is the sovereign office andShow MoreRelatedThomas Hobbes State of Nature in Leviathan Essay1433 Words   |  6 Pagesthat grew from them. However, in Thomas Hobbes Leviathan we see a departure from this inequality. The argument of people being equal and the state of man that he develops from that belief are central not only to his own theory but to the world of political science today. It is his examination of people being equal, followed by the state of nature and war, and finally his look at various laws of nature that lead a natural path to his political solution. Hobbes assertion that all people are equal isRead MoreThomas Hobbes State of Nature in Leviathan Essay847 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the view Thomas Hobbes presents within the selected passaged in the Leviathan, we live in a narcissistic society where man’s condition is primarily driven by ego and where the achievement of personal goals is deemed paramount. Within the State of Nature that is, outside of civil society we have a right to all things ‘even to one another’s body’, and there would be no agreed authority to ensure the moral grounds of our decisions. Therefore since there are no restrictions and no sharedRead MoreState of Nature and Freedom: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes1424 Words   |  6 PagesState of Nature and Freedom In the Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes places limits on the freedom of individuals in the social contract, as well as individuals in the state of nature. Hobbes writes that in the state nature, â€Å"the liberty each man hath to use his own power as he will himself for the preservation of his own nature; doing anything which, in his own judgement and reason, he shall conceive to be the aptest means there unto† (ch. 14,  ¶1). An individual’s will is only free when there is no extraneousRead MoreDo Metaphors Really Matter?1208 Words   |  5 Pageswill be the metaphor used by the famous English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, in his famous book, â€Å"Leviathan† which was published in 1651. Thomas Hobbes and the Leviathan Thomas Hobbes was a philosopher who had his interests based mainly on political affairs. As stated earlier, his most famous piece of work, â€Å"Leviathan† was a platform through which Hobbes expressed his ideas of how an ideal state ought to look like. The term â€Å"Leviathan† is used in the Bible in the book of Job, where the creature is describedRead MoreDefinition Of Human Nature In Hobbess Leviathan1191 Words   |  5 PagesHobbes’ conception of human nature as detailed in Leviathan is largely influenced by his first-hand experiences in 17th century England. As detailed in lecture, Hobbes’ life was characterized by constant fear, which reached its apex during the English Civil War. During the conflict, he saw a society with no clear sovereign power ripping itself apart in a state of absolute war. Published at the end of the War, Hobbes’ Leviathan details his thoughts on the importance of a clearly defined sovereignRead MoreThe Leviathan Vs. H obbess Ideal Society910 Words   |  4 PagesIn contrast to Locke, many believe Hobbes’ political philosophy is rather pessimistic and cynical. Hobbes’ Leviathan argues that civil peace can only be achieved by the establishment of a commonwealth through the social contract. Unlike Locke’s democracy ruled by the majority, Hobbess ideal society is ruled by a sovereign power that’s only duty is to protect the commonwealth, he says that the sovereign needs absolute authority to ensure the common defense. He uses the example of an artificial personRead MoreThomas Hobbes Philosophical Political Piece1317 Words   |  6 PagesThomas Hobbe s philosophical political piece The Leviathan argues that society functions most effectively if all state and commonwealth is delegated by an all powerful sovereign, and that without it we are in a state of chaos, otherwise titled by Hobbes as the state of nature (Thomas Hobbes, 2002, p. 181). I will argue that it is not possible to acknowledge what life is like in the state of nature without fully acknowledging that life in the state of nature leads to an all-powerful sovereignRead MoreThomas Hobbes s Views On Human Nature And His Ideal Government1540 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Hobbes describes his views on human nature and his ideal government in Leviathan. He believes human nature is antagonistic, and condemns man to a life of violence and misery without strong government. In contrast to animals, who are able to live together in a society without a coercive power, Hobbes believes that men are unable to coexist peacefully without a greater authority because they are confrontational by nature. â€Å"In the nature of man†, Hobbes says â€Å"there are three principal causesRead MoreJohn Locke And Thomas Hobbes886 Words   |  4 Pagesand Thomas Hobbes. In, Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes, and in, The Second Treatise of Government, by John Locke different theories of political legitimacy and definitions of the state of nature are described. The following paragraphs analyze multiple different points that are imperative to understanding these political theories. In the reading, Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes discusses what human existence is in the state of nature and the state of war. As it is described, the state of nature explains howRead MoreHobbes And The Natural State Of Nature Essay1514 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Hobbes political philosophy lies in his delineations of two distinct conditions which men can reside in; the state of nature, and the commonwealth led by a sovereign, otherwise referred to as the Leviathan. In order to illustrate how the former state gives way to the latter, Hobbes constructs a perception of nature in which the lives of men are riddled with ambiguity, fear, and distrust. He proposes, then, that the optimal civil society is not constructed by embracing the natural state of man

Public Policy Concerning Education During Prisons

Public policy concerning education in prisons decisively emphasizes punitive programming over rehabilitate or educational programming. In regards to higher education in prisons the persuasive public echo of â€Å"why should criminals get for free what the rest of us pay for† is a falsehood built on the backs of these rulings. I would argue that the education paid for through incarceration entails a greater personal cost of freedoms than a paid tuition could ever represent. I doubt anyone would ever go to prison to obtain a â€Å"free† education. The ever-increasing costs of higher education invoke a regime of scarcity that produces anxiety within the working and middle class. Higher education no longer represents automatic future economic security, furthering social fear. I would argue against the elimination of higher education in prisons; research shows that prison education reduces recidivism rates and improves public safety (Chappell). Education behind bars means a greater likelihood of post-release employment. Post-release employment means stability and independence. Stability and independence mean a lower chance of recidivism. Criminal justice researchers Richard Tewksbury and Kenneth Stengel conclude a more abstract benefit of prison education than just reducing recidivism, â€Å"Participation in educational programs yields a positive influence on the psychological well-being of inmates, reduces rule infractions, and enrolled inmates serve as role models to other inmates†Show MoreRelatedThe Impact Of School Policies And Analysis Strategies1177 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"During the last twenty years, schools across the nation have dropped their values for suspending and expelling students. The subsequent trends in punitive policy enforcement are conspicuous in a great number of states. â€Å"The national number of suspensions has increased from approximately 1.7 million in 1974 to more than 3.3 million in 2006. More recently, dur ing the 2009–2010 school year, a reported 3,081,240.55 children were suspended at least once. With reference to expulsions nationally, in 2006Read MoreAmerican Incarceration : Where We Are, And What Can Be Done?1518 Words   |  7 Pagesperformed the duty of safeguarding the public from those too dangerous to be left unsupervised to a business model concerned more with generating a profit for shareholders. With a 500% increase in inmates that is rivalled by no other country, the United States leads the world in imprisoning a fast-growing portion of its population. It is without a doubt that adverse changes in policy regarding imprisonment along with the formation and privatization of the prison industrial complex contributes substantiallyRead MoreThe Price Our Youth Are Paying Essay1431 Words   |  6 Pages Pipeline to Prison: The Price Our Youth Are Paying Dreux Jordan Angelo State University School-to-Prison Pipeline â€Å" They are suspending little Steven for three days, and he isn’t allowed to come back to class until we have a meeting with the principal,† said one of my coworkers in a conversation about the ongoing issues concerning her five-year-old son and his school. Steven is a five-year-old African-American boy in kindergarten who has been disciplined and suspendedRead MoreLowering the Risk of Spreading HIV1269 Words   |  5 Pages(Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) Risks that can lead to having HIV include sexual activity, drug use, blood transfusion and pregnancy. Prisons hold a huge risk to inmates, and have many high risk behaviors including unprotected sexual activity, and intravenous drug use. More than 2 million people in the United States are incarcerated in federal prisons and local jails. In 2008, 20,449 state prisoners and 1,538 federal prisoners, a total of 21, 987 male and female prisoners were reported to beRead MorePrinciples of Mental Health1258 Words   |  5 Pagesmethods, and principles of program development and service delivery as well as the range of available mental health service delivery and the clinical mental health services network (CACREP, 2012). It also includes the knowledge of crisis intervention during disasters and other traumatic events. It furthermore includes the principles, models, and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning. It recognizes the role and importan ce of family and social networks andRead MoreCalifornia Politics And Government : A Practical Approach1444 Words   |  6 Pagesexplanations that help the students understand the California politics. It includes budgetary politics and policies, California law and court cases, government regulations, policymaking and elections in terms of political parties and interest groups. It addresses the economic, educational, immigration and social issues and theireffecton the politics. Students are able to familiarize with the public policy coverage; hence, make a connection between the effects and practical applications of legislation andRead MoreAdjustment Of The United States1341 Words   |  6 Pagesservices, education, health, and alternative programs for immigrants, particularly black immigrants. In the conversations that surround this cranky subject, attention has targeted on variety of policy problems, from the immigrants working class participation to their significant dependence on welfare. Amongst the fray, kids that are lacking balloting powers and are unable to settle on wherever they live are seen mostly as invisible. Though a lot of of the general public dialogue concerning immigrationRead MoreAfrican Americans During The Age Of Exploration1568 Words   |  7 PagesDuring the Age of Exploration, Africans did not designate themselves as Blacks; however, Europeans used the term â€Å"blacks† to differentiate themselves. At first, there were a number of competing images of Africans, eventually those images crystallized into a small set of overly simplified, negative stereotypes widely shared in the west (Battle Wells, 2006). Early on, Africans were regarded on a relatively equal level to the Europeans. However, by the end of the eighteenth-century images of Af ricansRead MoreReasonable Accommodation Expectations Regarding The Topics Of Religion And Disability1093 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction. In this paper, I will be discussing reasonable accommodation expectations concerning the topics of religion and disability. I will begin by first discussing the reasonable accommodation expectations, pertaining to both religion and disability. I will than discuss who enforces these expectations. Lastly, I will discuss two private sector workplaces that provide reasonable accommodations for religion and disability. The Accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities ActRead MoreZero Tolerance Policies Are Ineffective And Creates More Harm Than Good For High School Education Essay1314 Words   |  6 Pagesaspects concerning zero-tolerance policies in high school education. The use of reports, mental development research, and examples will provide sufficient evidence that zero tolerance policies are ineffective and creates more harm than good for high school students. To address the need for attention, alternative recommendations will provide positive results if adopted and implemented correctly in school districts. No to Zero-Tolerance Policies in High Schools Education Even though the public education

Invictus Free Essays

The movie Invictus taught a lesson of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. It was mainly based on one of many Nelson Mandela achievements which was to unite South Africa with the game of Rugby. Invictus took place in 1995, when South Africa was divided into black ands whites. We will write a custom essay sample on Invictus or any similar topic only for you Order Now Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and was elected as the first black President of South Africa. Mandela who was played by Morgan Freeman join forces with Pienaar; Matt Damon’s character, who was also the captain of South Africa’s rugby team; Springboks. The both of them worked together to try and win the World Cup championship and inspire South Africa, even when Pienaar was faced with much backlash from his team and family. Many of the whites in this movie and as well as those black supporters of Mandela, expected that Mandela as President would be an excellent outlet for revenge for those who were brutalized, humiliated and oppressed under the years of apartheid. However, Nelson Mandela was different, he had overcome the prejudice and hate and did not succumb to such attitude, he didn’t allow it.He know that such actions wouldn’t benefit his country. Nelson was a leader, he was about reconstructing South Africa into a better nation. He went into office with a goal of reconciliation, which began with forgiveness. He first offered jobs to all those who were employed by the previous president, even those same ones who helped imprisoned him. The sport of Rugby, and the Springboks in general were considered symbols and a constant reminder of apartheid to the blacks of South Africa.They wanted to disband the team and start fresh, but Nelson Mandela felt that such actions would only hurt his country more that it already was. So with the help of him and his encouragement the Springboks remained South Africa’s national team, and with his order they helped coached various clinics throughout the country. Eventually Rugby, was South Africa’s national. And when South Africa finally made it to the World cup, their entire country, both black and white, young and old, rich and poor cheered them on.Over all the movie was enjoyable. Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as Pienaar playing the role of a mentor and a motivational coach to his team and his family; the both of them coming together for one cause of uniting everyone, was an inspiring story. However, as far as the rugby scenes being shot, I felt that the action on the field was a little off. I really don’t know much about this sport to well and quite don’t understand the game itself but to me they just didn’t look the part.This movie had taught me and informed me more of Mandela and his actions in this light. It showed me how sports can also unify people. With forgiveness in your heart, as well as determination things are possible. We see the bond between Mandela and Pienaar, who were faced with obstacles but yet they succeeded at their goal. We see the relationship between Nelson Mandela’s security team. We see the Rugby team, majority white, reaching out to their community. And most of all we see the nation of South Africa rallying as one. Overall good movie with good elements. How to cite Invictus, Papers