Hobbes - The State of Nature

Hobbes says that nothing is just or unjust in the state of nature. Why does he think that this is the case?

Because there is no common power there is no law, and because there is no law, there is no justice. Therefore, in the state of nature, no actions are unjust, and then neither no actions are just.

How does Hobbes view the intellectual and physical capacities of human beings relative to each other? What is the result of this fact about human capacities?

All people in the state of nature are at equilibrium and are relatively equal in their powers.

What, according to Hobbes, are the main causes of fighting in the state of nature? Why do each of these causes lead us into conflict with one another?

Competition: we fight one another for personal 'gain' Diffidence (distrust & modesty): we fight one another for safety Glory: we fight one another for reputation

How does Hobbes view life in the state of nature? Why does he think that this is the case?

The "life of man" is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short". This is because we live in continual fear and danger of violent death.

What is the principal end of human beings, according to Hobbes?

The end of human beings is rational self-interest.

What is the state of nature?

The state of nature is a condition, where there is no power, every man is for themselves, and they are at constant war with each other.

What does Hobbes say are the passions that incline men to peace?

There are two natural passions that everyone has that makes people want to escape the state of nature. Those are fear and reason. Fear makes natural man want to escape the state of nature; reason shows him how to escape. Reason leads to the laws that Hobbes, which constitute the foundation for peace.