Thomas Hobbesstate Of War Argument For Human Nature

Phil 332: Philosophy of Law Paper 1, 9/27/17 Thomas Hobbes’ State of War Argument for Human Nature Erin McFarland In Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan, Hobbes addresses the nature of man and society and their relation to each other. In Chapter Thirteen, â€Å"Of the natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery,† Hobbes states that without a common authority to keep men in check, humanity would fall into a state of war. The state of state of war, according to Hobbes, is â€Å"during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war as is of every man against every man† (Hobbes, 143). Hobbes ‘State of War Argument,’ claims that mankind’s’ human nature will†¦show more content†¦Hobbes’ State of War Argument claims that mankind can only escape the state of war in two ways: natural force, which means ruling ones’ own family, or subduing others through war; or entering in to a contract, meaning agreeing to give up certain rights, and agree ing to submit to a sovereign power to protect them. Without these, mankind can never achieve peace, being forced to defend themselves and in turn destroying others. Both ways provide a common sovereign power, the only way that Hobbes says humanity can escape the constant state of war (152). Hobbes claims that there are three ways that mankind tires to subdue others. The first cause he mentions is competition. Mankind is greedy and will strive to gain more than what they have to show their power, leading to invasions to gain more land, wealth and security, though Hobbes claims that they will still live in fear of losing what they gain. The second cause that Hobbes mentions is diffidence, which means to defend. Humanity ever endeavors to preserve what is theirs, defending their lives and property from those that would seek to take them. The third cause Hobbes mentions is glory. He claims that mankind is vain, seeking reputation and recognition for accomplishments, to put themselves above others. Hobbes states that without a common, sovereign power, these three causes will cause man to remain in a state of war, every man trying to conquer every