PHILOS 1B03 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Well-Order, Thought Experiment
21 Sep 2019
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Human nature : political philosophers develop theories of human nature that help them to understand legitimate state authority. Despite having unequal dispositions, there is a natural equality amongst men" with respect to their physical and intellectual abilities. Everyone has a natural right to everything. Conflict is inevitable while security is impossible (security to person, possessions etc) The problems leading to a state of war (all against all) include : limited resources, unlimited rights, and an unequal distribution. The state of nature is a state of war. All men" were naturally free and equal. Free = subject to no one else"s desires. Equal = everyone had the same freedoms as one another. The state of nature is not a state of license. The natural laws (are known through reason) govern the state of (human) nature. Natural laws stipulate that no one should harm another. However, when / if harm is done, each individual reserves the right to punish the offender.
