Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Thomas Hobbes, Thought Experiment, Rationality
30 Mar 2018
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The state of nature: why do we need a state, thought experiment. Imagine life without the state and political power. What hobbes claims: worst scenario: no state protection, powerful state is need to avoid disastrous interpersonal conflict, main premises: human nature. Introspection: materialism, felicity happiness, continual success to get what you want, power to obtain something good, ensures felicity. The road to war: equality, scarcity, uncertainty everyone is a potential threat, anyone can attack first. Three reasons to attack: competition: gain to be better than others, lack of trust: safety attacki(cid:374)g first (cid:373)ea(cid:374)s they are(cid:374)"t a threat to you, glory: reputation to be the top dog in the crowd. Is hobbes too pessimistic: (cid:862)read thyself(cid:863, what do you think of others, actions speak louder than words, evidence: locking doors and chests. Laws of nature: fundamental law: seek peace, if you can get it, second law: lay down your natural right, if others do too, third law: perform your covenants.
