(Question 1)
Locke's state of nature is defined as a state in which we can order and dispose of our possessions and persons as we think is reasonable, within the bounds of the law of nature, without depending on the opinions of other people. He also defines it as a state of equality in which all the power and jurisdiction is "reciprocal, no one having more than another" and that everyone is equal amongst another "without subordination or subjection, unless the lord and master of them all should by any manifest declaration of his will set one above another". I was a little confused reading that, so I would appreciate a bit of clarification - maybe by pulling a Chalmers move :) if everyone is equal then who is this lord and master above everyone?? I don't think it's God because usually they would capitalise Lord and His if they were referring to the Christian God. Thank you!!
Hobbes state of nature describes the nature of man in Chapter 13 to be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" and characterised by constant war between men. It's described as an ongoing and violent competition. It sounds like he perceives humans in a more animalistic way whereas Locke assumes that we have a decent ability to reason.
No comments:
Post a Comment